Rubio Declares South Africa’s Ambassador Unwelcome in the U.S.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, is ‘not welcome’ in the country. Rubio accused Rasool of being a ‘race-baiting politician’ amid diplomatic tensions related to South Africa’s Expropriation Act. The South African government maintains that this legislation aims to correct historical injustices rather than target specific racial groups.

On Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, is not welcome in the country. This declaration forms part of the Trump administration’s actions against South Africa. Rubio labeled Rasool as a “race-baiting politician” and linked his remarks during a webinar to a Breitbart article.

Ebrahim Rasool had critiqued Trump ally Elon Musk’s actions as a “dog whistle” to far-right individuals in Europe. The U.S. State Department withheld further details regarding the ban, and it remains uncertain if Rasool was present in the U.S. at the time of the announcement. Rubio made this declaration while returning from a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting.

While it is uncommon for the U.S. to expel a foreign ambassador, lower-ranking diplomats often face such measures. Historically, even during periods of heightened diplomatic tensions, the ambassadors of both the U.S. and Russia were not expelled. Inquiries made to the South African Embassy for comments on the matter went unanswered.

Rasool previously served as South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S. from 2010 to 2015 and became a notable anti-apartheid activist during his youth. His recent ouster follows President Trump’s executive order, which cut aid to the South African government, citing the Expropriation Act as a threat to Afrikaners, who are descendants of European colonizers.

South Africa’s government contends that the Expropriation Act is not racially driven but seeks to rectify past injustices from the apartheid era. The Act permits land expropriation when it serves the public interest or is unused. Although Trump claims that land is being taken from Afrikaners, the law has yet to result in any expropriation of properties.

In summary, Secretary Marco Rubio’s declaration regarding Ebrahim Rasool underscores escalating tensions between the U.S. and South Africa during the Trump administration. Rasool’s characterization of U.S. political figures and subsequent deportation signifies a critical turning point in diplomatic relations. As the South African government continues to defend its policies, the impact of these events on U.S.-South Africa relations remains to be seen.

Original Source: winnipegsun.com