Ebrahim Rasool Returns to South Africa, Emphasizing Ubuntu Diplomacy

Ebrahim Rasool, expelled as South African ambassador to the U.S., returned home stating he has no regrets. He emphasized the importance of Ubuntu in diplomacy and views his expulsion as a badge of honor. Despite being criticized by U.S. officials, he remains hopeful for the future of South Africa’s relations with the United States and is set to report the incident to President Ramaphosa.

Ebrahim Rasool, the former South African ambassador to the United States, has returned to South Africa without regrets following his expulsion from the U.S. Rasool, accompanied by his wife, Rosieda, arrived at Cape Town International Airport after a 32-hour journey from the U.S. via Qatar, where he was warmly welcomed by hundreds of supporters.

Rasool was declared persona non grata earlier this month due to comments he made during a webinar, wherein he criticized U.S. President Donald Trump. During his reception at the airport, Rasool expressed that the designation aimed to humiliate him, yet the kind welcome he received transformed it into a “badge of honour.”

He remarked, “When you return to a crowd like this, feeling the warmth and sense of Ubuntu, then I will wear my persona non grata as a badge of dignity,” underscoring the importance of Ubuntu, an African philosophy that emphasizes communal respect and interconnectedness.

Rasool stated that South Africa had to shift towards what he described as the “diplomacy of Ubuntu” rather than conventional diplomatic practices. He defined this approach as the gentle art of truth-telling and intellectual engagement to persuade hosts regarding better relations.

Looking ahead, he expressed hope that President Cyril Ramaphosa would select a representative capable of restoring relations with the U.S. while maintaining South African dignity. Additionally, Rasool highlighted the importance of continuing to advocate for South Africa’s values in international diplomacy.

In response to inquiries about the effectiveness of his diplomatic efforts, he remarked that the notable attention received from top U.S. officials demonstrated that his message resonated with the highest ranks of the U.S. government, indicating the success of Ubuntu diplomacy.

Rasool’s expulsion was officially announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who criticized Rasool as a “race-baiting politician” and deemed him unacceptable for future accreditation as South Africa’s ambassador. Rasool is to provide a detailed report of the incident to President Ramaphosa, who considers the expulsion a minor obstacle in South African-American relations.

Ebrahim Rasool’s return to South Africa highlights his resolve and commitment to the principles of Ubuntu in diplomacy. Despite being expelled from the U.S. for his candid criticism of President Trump, he views the experience as affirming rather than humiliating. His reflections call for dignity and truthfulness in international relations, paving the way for continued efforts to restore bilateral ties with the United States.

Original Source: www.dimsumdaily.hk