The U.S. has declared Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador, ‘persona non grata’, mandating his departure by Friday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited Rasool’s remarks against the Trump administration as justification. This rare diplomatic action highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and South Africa amid criticisms of the latter’s domestic policies.

The U.S. State Department announced that the South African ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, is required to leave the United States by Friday, having been declared “persona non grata”. This designation came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated publicly that Rasool is no longer an acceptable representative for South Africa. The South African embassy officials were given a formal notice regarding this decision.

Diplomatic privileges for Rasool expired on the previous Monday, leaving uncertainty about his current location. In a social media post, Rubio criticized Rasool as a “race-baiting politician” and referred to remarks Rasool made during a webinar in Johannesburg related to the Trump administration’s policies.

It is uncommon for a country to expel a foreign ambassador, with such actions usually affecting lower-ranking diplomats. This incident coincides with broader tensions between the Trump administration and South Africa, which included an executive order from Trump to halt funding to the nation, citing its purportedly anti-white policies.

The South African government, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, expressed disappointment over Rasool’s expulsion but reiterated its commitment to fostering a beneficial relationship with the U.S.

The expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool from the United States underscores the strained diplomatic ties between the Trump administration and South Africa. While the official rationale suggests concerns over Rasool’s political stance, it also reflects ongoing criticisms of South Africa’s internal policies by U.S. officials. Despite this incident, South Africa aims to maintain a cooperative relationship with the U.S.

Original Source: www.newsday.com