South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, has until Friday to leave, following his expulsion by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This action stems from Rasool’s recent critical comments about President Trump and highlights heightened U.S.-South Africa tensions, particularly over Palestine and property expropriation issues.
Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa‘s ambassador to the United States, has been given until Friday to exit the country. This directive follows his expulsion under the designation of “persona non grata” by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking a significant diplomatic action considering the rarity of expelling a high-ranking diplomat in U.S. history.
Rasool’s deadline follows an online lecture he gave to a South African think tank, during which he criticized President Trump and linked the president’s perceived disrespect for global order to white supremacy elements. The comments led to heightened scrutiny from U.S. authorities regarding diplomatic standards.
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce reinforced the expectation of respect in diplomatic relations, stating, “This particular individual certainly didn’t meet that standard…” She emphasized that the administration has clear expectations regarding how foreign diplomats should engage with the U.S. and its people.
The conflict between the U.S. and South Africa has intensified due to divergent views on the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, with South Africa supporting an International Court of Justice case against Israel regarding allegations of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Since his administration began, Trump has criticized South Africa’s Expropriation Act, which allows for the confiscation of private property without compensation, targeting primarily white farmers. This policy has been linked to rising violence and murder in South Africa, including significant incidents in 2020 that fueled accusations of genocide against the country’s white population.
In summary, Ebrahim Rasool’s expulsion as South Africa’s ambassador marks a rare diplomatic event that underscores the tensions between the U.S. and South Africa. His controversial remarks during a recent lecture contributed to this decision, revealing the importance of diplomatic decorum in international relations. Furthermore, ongoing conflicts over the treatment of property and racial tensions in South Africa continue to strain bilateral relations.
Original Source: www.washingtonexaminer.com
