U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared South Africa’s ambassador Ebrahim Rasool persona non grata, citing his “race-baiting” comments against the U.S. and Trump. The diplomatic rift symbolizes ongoing tensions exacerbated by South Africa’s land reform policies, which have been criticized by prominent U.S. figures, including Trump and Musk, leading to severe diplomatic repercussions.
On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, is “no longer welcome” in the U.S. He characterized Rasool as a “race-baiting politician” who expresses animosity towards America and President Donald Trump. Rubio’s declaration of Rasool as persona non grata denotes a significant diplomatic rebuke, implying that Rasool must depart the country.
This incident underscores the deteriorating relations between the U.S. and South Africa, which have experienced tensions during the Biden administration. Rubio’s comments followed Rasool’s remarks about Trump’s presidency, suggesting that the Make America Great Again movement represents an assault on current power structures, as well as a demographic shift in the U.S. electorate.
Rasool has emphasized that the movements within the U.S. reflect deeper issues, including nativism and racism. He posited that accusations of white victimhood serve as a political tool, noting affiliations between U.S. politicians and far-right European entities.
The backdrop of these tensions includes South Africa’s recent enactment of the Expropriation Act, which aims to address historical injustices in land ownership due to apartheid. Many in the U.S., notably Trump and Musk, have criticized this legislation, alleging it discriminates against White South Africans.
In early February, Rubio publicly condemned South Africa’s policies, declining to participate in the G20 foreign ministers’ summit, citing negative trends in the country. Meanwhile, Trump has taken measures to suspend aid to South Africa, advocating for the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees facing perceived race-based discrimination. He has made assurances that farmers from South Africa can expect expedited paths to U.S. citizenship.
The exchange between U.S. Secretary of State Rubio and Ambassador Rasool highlights the fraught diplomatic relations between the U.S. and South Africa. Rasool’s comments regarding Trump and a shifting demographic landscape sparked Rubio’s declaration, emphasizing key issues surrounding land reform and historical injustices. The U.S. response reflects broader concerns about racial dynamics and immigration policies, indicating significantly altered diplomatic stances under the current administration.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
