South Africa Searches for New US Ambassador After Rasool’s Expulsion

South Africa has begun searching for a new ambassador to the US after Ebrahim Rasool was expelled by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio due to controversial remarks regarding the MAGA movement and US demographics. Rasool’s dismissal has strained relations, prompting South Africa to seek a seasoned political figure as his replacement to repair ties with Washington.

South Africa has initiated a search for a new ambassador to the United States following the expulsion of its previous envoy, Ebrahim Rasool, which has heightened tensions between the two nations. The dismissal was announced on March 14 by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who declared Rasool persona non grata, thereby prohibiting him from continuing his diplomatic role in Washington.

Rubio expressed strong disapproval of Rasool’s character, stating, “South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country. Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS. We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.” This decision followed Rasool’s controversial remarks regarding the MAGA movement and demographic changes in the United States.

During a webinar organized by a South African think tank, Rasool suggested that the expansion of the MAGA movement was partially influenced by concerns surrounding evolving demographics in the United States. He stated, “The MAGA movement is a response not simply to a supremacist instinct, but to very clear data that shows great demographic shifts in the USA,” highlighting projections that white Americans would constitute only 48% of the voting electorate in the future.

These comments drew significant backlash from Washington, as the Trump administration condemned them as an inappropriate intrusion into US domestic affairs. In light of Rasool’s expulsion, Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, described the action as “regrettable” and urged both nations to uphold diplomatic standards. He asserted, “We urge all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter. South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States.”

With Rasool’s departure, the African National Congress (ANC) is keen on appointing a seasoned political individual to mend the frayed ties with Washington. Reports suggest that an experienced ANC member has emerged as a strong candidate for the ambassadorship, with an official commenting, “He won’t speak out of line. He is a smart guy, and his messaging will be disciplined.” The ongoing rift between South Africa and the United States is indicative of broader diplomatic challenges, exacerbated by previous accusations from the Trump administration regarding land expropriation from white farmers, which has strained relations further.

In summary, the diplomatic relationship between South Africa and the United States is currently at a low point, following the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. This situation underscores the impact of political discourse on international relations, particularly when sensitive discussions about race and demographics are involved. South Africa is now poised to select a new ambassador to restore diplomatic ties, reflecting its ongoing commitment to constructive engagement with the United States.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com