The U.S. State Department has ordered South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool to leave the country by Friday after declaring him “persona non grata.” This decision follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s criticisms of Rasool’s comments regarding the Trump administration, marking an unusual diplomatic expulsion and reflecting rising tensions between the two nations.
The U.S. State Department has declared South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, as “persona non grata,” requiring him to leave the country by Friday. This decision was made public after Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Rasool was deemed unacceptable as a representative of his nation. A formal diplomatic note was issued to the South African embassy detailing this ruling.
Rasool’s diplomatic privileges had expired, intensifying the urgency for his departure. Although his current location remains unclear, Rubio’s announcement criticized Rasool as a “race-baiting politician” during his return from a Group of 7 foreign ministers meeting in Canada. The Secretary’s remarks were linked to Rasool’s recent speech discussing demographic changes in the U.S. and the implications of the Trump administration’s actions.
The expulsion of a foreign ambassador is an unusual action for the U.S., as it typically targets lower-ranking diplomats. This action follows Trump’s executive order last month that halted federal funding to South Africa, citing the country’s alleged anti-white policies and its connections to groups like Hamas and Iran. In response, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office expressed disappointment but affirmed a commitment to maintaining positive diplomatic relations with the U.S.
In summary, the U.S. has mandated South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool’s departure by Friday, labeling him as “persona non grata.” This rare move underscores increasing tensions between the Trump administration and South Africa, exacerbated by recent criticisms of the country’s policies. Despite this setback, South Africa intends to preserve its diplomatic relationship with the United States.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
