Opposition parties in South Africa are urging President Ramaphosa to resist US bullying following the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, criticized by the US for his pro-Palestinian stance. Tensions between the countries heighten amidst concerns over sovereignty and diplomatic representation, with calls for collaborative diplomacy from coalition partners.
Opposition parties in South Africa have urged President Cyril Ramaphosa not to yield to perceived bullying from the United States following the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. The US government granted Rasool just 72 hours to leave the country after Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized him as a “race-baiting politician who hates America.” This incident has heightened already strained relations between the two nations since President Trump’s administration took office.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola emphasized the importance of direct dialogue over social media exchanges, suggesting that face-to-face communication would be more beneficial. In contrast, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, condemned the US’s actions, stating that the country must not be intimidated by the current US leadership. They refer to Trump derogatorily, reflecting the sentiments of certain opposition factions.
The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) Secretary General, Apa Pooe, labeled the US’s actions as an affront to South Africa’s sovereignty and insisted that the country would not serve as a US puppet, asserting its right to self-governance. Tensions also relate to Trump’s criticisms of South Africa’s land reform policies, including actions involving land confiscations without compensation.
During his tenure as ambassador to the US from 2010 to 2015, Rasool developed a strong network. Despite his prior experience, he faces difficulties in establishing connections with the current administration, partly due to his pro-Palestinian stance, as noted by an anonymous South African diplomat.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), part of South Africa’s governing coalition, questions the dominance of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in foreign policy decisions. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp called for collaborative diplomacy to address the tensions, expressing concern over the ANC’s unilateral approach given their minority status in government.
The growing tensions between South Africa and the US, marked by the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, have prompted strong responses from opposition parties in South Africa. These parties emphasize the need for self-governance and equitable diplomatic representation, urging the government to resist external pressures and promoting a face-to-face dialogue approach to resolve conflicts.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
