Marco Rubio has declared South African ambassador Ebrahim Rasool persona non grata after Rasool criticized Trump. The tensions highlight a rapid decline in U.S.-South Africa relations, exacerbated by U.S. aid cuts linked to South Africa’s political stance on Israel and land laws.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, persona non grata following Rasool’s criticisms of Donald Trump during a recent forum. Rubio responded sharply to Rasool’s remarks, stating, “South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country.”
Rubio labeled Rasool as “a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS,” following Rasool’s statements at a panel by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection. Rasool indicated that Trump’s Make America Great Again movement reflects a broader global trend addressing the fears of white communities.
The incident underscores the escalating tensions in U.S.-South Africa relations, particularly under the Trump administration. Amidst Rubio’s expulsion effort, the U.S. has previously cut off aid to South Africa over its stance on Israel and its land expropriation law, resulting in heightened diplomatic friction.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
