South Africa reaffirms commitment to US ties despite ambassador’s expulsion
South Africa has expressed disappointment following the United States’ expulsion of its ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, calling the decision “regrettable” but reaffirming its commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties with Washington.
The expulsion, announced by U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio, comes amid escalating tensions over Rasool’s outspoken criticism of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Rubio accused Rasool of being a “race-baiting politician” with disdain for the United States and president Donald Trump, citing remarks Rasool made about Trump’s alleged promotion of white supremacy. Rasool, a former anti-apartheid activist and vocal pro-Palestinian advocate, had previously linked U.S. support for Israel’s actions in Gaza to historical patterns of racial injustice. This criticism, along with South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, was the “core of the dispute,” fueling the diplomatic rift, says South African political analyst Sandile Swana.
The official reasons given for Rasool’s expulsion have been met with resounding criticism both in the U.S. and South Africa. Responding to Rubio’s words, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) national executive director Nihad Awad said:”Your declaration of ambassador Ebrahim Rasool as persona non grata is a racist, Islamophobic, transparent act of retaliation for South Africa’s opposition to Israel’s genocide in Gaza.” Meanwhile, the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) condemned the expulsion, calling it an attack on South Africa’s sovereignty and a continuation of hostile actions by the Trump administration. Tensions have also flared over South Africa’s land policy, with Trump accusing the country of discriminating against white farmers. Despite these disputes, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office has emphasized that South Africa “remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship” with Washington, urging calm and diplomatic decorum as both nations navigate these challenging issues.
