The South African ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, has been declared persona non grata by Secretary of State Marco Rubio after Rasool criticized Donald Trump at a forum. Rubio accused Rasool of being a destructive political figure, coinciding with deteriorating U.S.-South Africa relations marked by aid cuts and contentious policies.
The South African ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, has been declared persona non grata by Secretary of State Marco Rubio following Rasool’s critical remarks about former President Donald Trump at a recent forum. Rubio labeled Rasool as “a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates [the president of the United States] @POTUS,” implying there is no longer a basis for dialogue with him.
The comments that prompted this declaration were made during a panel organized by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, where Rasool equated Trump’s political movement with a global trend appealing to the fears of white demographics. He stated, “It may not be true, it may not make sense, but that is not the dog whistle that is being heard in a global, white base.”
Ebrahim Rasool, previously serving in the same capacity during the Obama administration, has struggled to secure meetings with members of the Trump administration. Observers note that Rasool’s Muslim background and pro-Palestine stance may hinder his diplomatic effectiveness in the current political climate.
The expulsion follows a notable decline in U.S.-South Africa relations, accelerated by the Trump administration’s withdrawal of aid due to South Africa’s stance in the International Court of Justice regarding accusations of genocide against Israel. Simultaneously, the U.S. has expressed concerns regarding South Africa’s land expropriation laws aimed at addressing historical racial disparities.
In reaction, South Africa has signaled an increase in domestic spending on health initiatives, particularly as it copes with a high population of individuals living with HIV/AIDS, supported by previous U.S. aid.
In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s declaration of Ebrahim Rasool as persona non grata reflects the escalating tensions between the U.S. and South Africa. Rasool’s critical statements about Donald Trump have contributed to a cooling relationship, exacerbated by diplomatic disputes over humanitarian aid and South Africa’s social policies. The situation underscores the fragility of international relations and the impact of political rhetoric on diplomacy.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
