South Africa has initiated the process of appointing a new ambassador to the United States after its former envoy, Ebrahim Rasool, was expelled—further straining diplomatic relations between the two countries.
On March 14, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Rasool persona non grata, effectively ending his tenure in Washington.
“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,” Rubio posted on X.
The move followed controversial comments Rasool made regarding the MAGA movement and demographic trends in the U.S., sparking backlash and contributing to his expulsion.
https://x.com/SecRubio/status/1900655283380146267
Persona Non Grata
During a webinar organized by a South African think tank, former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool remarked that the rise of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement was linked to anxieties over demographic changes in the United States.
“The MAGA movement is not merely rooted in supremacist tendencies, but also in concrete data showing significant demographic shifts in the U.S.,” Rasool said, referencing projections indicating that white Americans are expected to comprise only 48% of future voters.
His comments drew strong criticism in Washington, with the Trump-led administration viewing them as unwelcome interference in U.S. domestic affairs.
Following Rasool’s expulsion, Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, described the decision as “regrettable” and urged both nations to handle the issue diplomatically.
“We encourage all concerned parties to uphold diplomatic norms while engaging on this matter. South Africa remains committed to fostering a constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with the United States,” Magwenya stated.
Search for a Successor
In the wake of Rasool’s removal, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) is working to appoint a new ambassador, aiming to mend strained ties with Washington. Reports suggest that a seasoned ANC politician has emerged as the leading candidate for the role.
“He’s sharp, measured, and won’t go off-script. His communication will be carefully managed,” an ANC official told Semafor.
This diplomatic fallout marks another point of tension in U.S.–South Africa relations. The Trump administration has previously criticized the South African government over its land reform policies, including accusations of land expropriation from white farmers—further complicating bilateral ties.
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Publisher: The Scribe
