U.S. Orders South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool to Depart by Friday

The State Department has ordered South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, to leave the U.S. by Friday, declaring him “persona non grata.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Rasool on social media, linking the decision to previous anti-Trump comments made by the ambassador. This unusual expulsion follows ongoing tensions between the two nations, exacerbated by funding cuts and diplomatic disagreements.

The State Department announced that South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, must leave by Friday after being declared “persona non grata.” This decision came from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who made the declaration public on social media, indicating Rasool was deemed unacceptable as a representative of South Africa. The South African embassy was subsequently informed via a formal diplomatic note.

Rasool’s diplomatic privileges expired on Monday, necessitating his departure from the U.S. It remains unclear whether he is currently in the United States. Rubio made this announcement while traveling back from a G7 foreign ministers meeting, where he criticized Rasool as a “race-baiting politician” and referenced controversial remarks the ambassador made during a webinar in Johannesburg.

The expulsion of a foreign ambassador is an atypical action by the U.S. government, as lower-ranking diplomats often face such treatment. Rubio’s decision continues a trend of the Trump administration’s actions against South Africa, including a recent executive order to halt funding to the nation, which denounces its policies as anti-white and suggests connections to groups such as Hamas and Iran.

In response, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office acknowledged the expulsion, urging diplomatic officials to engage with decorum. The statement emphasized South Africa’s commitment to maintaining beneficial relations with the United States, despite the current tensions between the two nations.

The U.S. government’s decision to expel Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool underscores heightened diplomatic tensions between the United States and South Africa. This rare action reflects the Trump administration’s broader stance against the South African government, marked by criticism and recent funding cuts. Despite these challenges, South Africa remains dedicated to fostering a constructive relationship with the U.S.

Original Source: www.newsday.com