Ebrahim Rasool Returns to South Africa with Pride Amid U.S. Sanctions

Ebrahim Rasool, the expunged South African ambassador, was celebrated upon his return to Cape Town, where he asserted he would wear his expulsion as a “badge of dignity.” He emphasized the importance of mending U.S. relations, defended his controversial remarks, and vowed to uphold support for Palestine while maintaining South African dignity in international affairs.

Ebrahim Rasool, the South African ambassador expelled by the Trump administration, received a warm homecoming in Cape Town. Hundreds of supporters celebrated his return at the airport, necessitating police escort due to the crowd’s enthusiasm. Rasool remarked, “A declaration of persona non grata is meant to humiliate you… I will wear my persona non grata as a badge of dignity.”

Rasool expressed the need for South Africa to mend its relations with the United States, which had deteriorated following President Trump’s accusations against South Africa’s stance on issues like Hamas and anti-white policies. He emphasized, “We are not here to say we are anti-American.” These remarks came after being declared persona non grata, an uncommon action towards foreign ambassadors.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Rasool’s expulsion, labeling him a “race-baiting politician” based on his criticisms of the Trump administration’s policies during a talk where he analyzed the changing demographics in the U.S. Rasool affirmed his position, explaining, “It is not the U.S. of Obama, it is not the U.S. of Clinton.” He insisted that South Africa would maintain its legal case against Israel without succumbing to pressure from the U.S.

Rasool’s supporters, many of whom waved Palestinian flags, echoed his sentiments, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians. “If South Africa was not in the [International Court of Justice], Israel would not be exposed,” Rasool stated, reinforcing the significance of his nation’s stance. He concluded by asserting the need to balance dignity with international relations, stating, “We must fight for it, but we must keep our dignity.”

The return of Ebrahim Rasool to South Africa following his expulsion by the U.S. highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the need for improved relations between South Africa and the United States. Rasool’s comments reflect a commitment to dignity amid political challenges, as he navigates the dual obligations to South African interests and international partnerships, particularly in relation to pressing humanitarian issues.

Original Source: www.newsday.com