South Africa is seeking a new ambassador to the United States following the expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool, declared persona non grata by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rasool’s comments on the MAGA movement led to tensions, with South Africa’s government expressing regret over the decision. The ANC aims to appoint a seasoned politician to restore diplomatic relations amid ongoing challenges.
South Africa has initiated the process of searching for a new ambassador to the United States after the expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool, a former envoy, which has heightened tensions between the two nations. On March 14, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Rasool as persona non grata, thereby prohibiting him from fulfilling his diplomatic role in Washington.
Rubio publicly criticized Rasool on X, stating, “South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country. Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS. We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.” This decision followed controversial comments made by Rasool regarding the MAGA movement and demographic changes in the United States.
During a webinar, Rasool indicated that the rise of the former President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again movement was influenced by concerns over shifting demographics within the nation. He commented, “The MAGA movement is a response not simply to a supremacist instinct, but to very clear data that shows great demographic shifts in the USA,” referencing projections that indicate white Americans may constitute only 48% of the voting electorate in the future. These remarks elicited a backlash from Washington, perceived as inappropriate interference in domestic politics.
In reaction to Rasool’s dismissal, Vincent Magwenya, the spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, expressed regret and emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic decorum between the two countries. “We urge all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter. South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States,” Magwenya stated.
In light of Rasool’s expulsion, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is actively seeking to appoint a seasoned political figure to mend the strained relations with Washington. Reports suggest that an experienced ANC politician is being considered as a frontrunner for the ambassadorial role, noted for his ability to maintain a disciplined approach in messaging, according to an ANC official quoted by Semafor.
The ongoing rift between South Africa and the United States adds to a series of diplomatic challenges faced by both nations, further complicated by previous accusations from the Trump administration regarding land expropriation from white farmers in South Africa, which has contributed to the already fragile relationship.
In summary, South Africa is in search of a new ambassador to the United States after Ebrahim Rasool’s expulsion, which has created significant diplomatic tension. The remarks he made regarding the MAGA movement were met with disapproval from the US government. South Africa’s leadership, aiming to repair relations, is considering appointing a politically experienced replacement. This situation underscores the ongoing complexities in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
