Ebrahim Rasool, the recently expelled South African ambassador to the U.S., returned home stating he had “no regrets.” Despite being labeled “persona non grata,” he focused on the philosophy of “Ubuntu” as guiding diplomacy. His dismissal followed criticism of Trump, sparking high-level U.S. responses, illustrating the impact of his message.
Ebrahim Rasool, the expelled South African ambassador to the U.S., returned to Cape Town on March 23, 2025, stating he had “no regrets” about his dismissal. Following a lengthy journey of 32 hours via Qatar, he was greeted by a large crowd of supporters at Cape Town International Airport, expressing pride in his situation.
Rasool’s expulsion followed a webinar where he criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, leading to his designation as “persona non grata” by the U.S. government. Despite this, he conveyed that the warm reception upon his return transformed the label into a source of honor rather than humiliation, highlighting the embodiment of “Ubuntu,” which reflects interconnectedness within the community.
In his address, Rasool emphasized the importance of the “diplomacy of Ubuntu,” which he described as honest engagement rather than flattery. He asserted that this diplomatic approach involves truth-telling and fostering intellectual dialogue, urging that it does not imply lying for one’s nation or avoiding uncomfortable truths.
Rasool expressed hope for a resolution in U.S.-South Africa relations under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership, emphasizing the need to uphold national dignity while advocating for the country’s values. He noted that his remarks had reached high-level U.S. officials, indicating the effectiveness of his truth-based diplomacy.
Following his expulsion, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio labeled Rasool a “race-baiting politician” and mandated his departure within 72 hours. Nevertheless, Rasool’s return to South Africa marked a moment of resilience as he prepares to submit a governmental report on the expulsion incident while aiming to reaffirm engagement with the U.S. despite this setback.
Ebrahim Rasool’s return to South Africa reflects his firm stance on diplomatic values rooted in honesty and community philosophy. His advocacy for the “diplomacy of Ubuntu” underscores the significance of truthful dialogue over mere politeness in international relations. His expulsion serves as a pivotal moment in U.S.-South Africa relations, presenting challenges alongside opportunities for future engagement.
Original Source: english.news.cn
