Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., is ordered to leave by Friday after being declared “persona non grata”. His expulsion follows critical comments about President Trump, exacerbating U.S.-South Africa tensions, particularly regarding the Hamas-Israel conflict and South Africa’s controversial Expropriation Act.
Ebrahim Rasool, the South African ambassador to the United States, has been instructed to depart the U.S. by Friday. This directive has been issued by the South African Foreign Ministry, indicating his continued presence in the country despite being declared “persona non grata” by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, an unusual act concerning a diplomat of his seniority in U.S. history.
The ambassador’s expulsion follows an online lecture he provided to a South African think tank, where he openly criticized President Donald Trump. He attributed the President’s “disrespect” for the existing hegemonic order to white supremacy. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized the need for respect in diplomatic relations, noting that Rasool’s conduct did not meet this expectation, which reflects the broader standards upheld by the U.S. Administration.
The tensions between the United States and South Africa have intensified, particularly regarding their opposing stances on the Hamas-Israel conflict. South Africa’s support for the International Court of Justice case against Israel for alleged genocide against Palestinians in Gaza has highlighted these disputes. Furthermore, Trump’s administration has vocally criticized South Africa’s Expropriation Act, which facilitates the confiscation of private property, reportedly targeting white South African farmers.
The expulsion of South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool from the United States underscores the deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two nations, stemming from Rasool’s criticisms of President Trump and differing views on international conflicts. The U.S. administration’s response signals its stance on respect in diplomacy and highlights ongoing tensions surrounding South African legislation and its implications.
Original Source: www.washingtonexaminer.com
