The United States’ abrupt expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, has stirred diplomatic tensions, but President Cyril Ramaphosa insists the incident is merely a “hiccup” in relations between the two nations.
Speaking to journalists on Monday afternoon, Ramaphosa expressed confidence that the situation would be resolved through diplomatic channels, despite the growing controversy over Rasool’s comments.
The expulsion, announced on Friday by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio via the social media platform X, has intensified an already fragile relationship between the two countries. Rubio declared Rasool “persona non grata,” stating, “South Africa’s ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country.”
The Controversial Remarks That Led to Expulsion
Rasool’s removal came after he participated in a discussion hosted by the South African NGO Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection. During the discussion, Rasool made comments critical of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement, suggesting it was rooted in supremacist ideology.
“I think what Donald Trump is launching is an assault on incumbency, those in power, by mobilizing supremacism against the incumbency at home,” Rasool stated. He further suggested that demographic shifts in the U.S. electorate were a driving force behind the movement, predicting that non-white voters would soon outnumber white voters in the country.
Rubio reacted strongly to Rasool’s remarks, labeling him a “race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS,” leading to an immediate expulsion order.
Diplomatic Reactions and Ramaphosa’s Stance
Over the weekend, the South African government avoided a direct defense of Rasool, though some diplomatic sources, speaking anonymously, suggested that he had overstepped his role as an ambassador.
“As a former Ambassador to the U.S. and a former Premier of the Western Cape Province, he should have known better as a diplomat and politician,” one colleague remarked.
Despite the diplomatic setback, President Ramaphosa remains optimistic.
“This is a hiccup—a hiccup that we are working on straightening out,” Ramaphosa told reporters. “We cannot be ignored by the U.S. because we are an important player to them, just as they are to us politically and economically.”
The U.S. State Department has formally communicated its displeasure through a diplomatic note verbale, and Rasool has been recalled to South Africa to provide a full report to Ramaphosa.
Broader U.S.-South Africa Tensions
The expulsion comes at a time of strained relations between the two nations, following South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over allegations of genocide in Palestine.
Tensions escalated further when the U.S. administration, under Trump, cut funding to South African health projects, a move expected to severely impact HIV/AIDS programs in the country. Additionally, South African trade with the U.S. is under threat as Washington imposes steep tariffs on imports, affecting both allies and adversaries alike, according to Daljoog News.
Another point of contention has been allegations—widely debunked—that the South African government plans to seize land from white Afrikaner farmers without compensation. The claims led Trump to suggest offering U.S. resettlement for displaced farmers, further exacerbating diplomatic strains.
Despite these challenges, Ramaphosa remains committed to mending relations with the U.S. “Improving our relationship with the U.S. is a priority. They are our second-largest trading partner after China, and we will ensure that our ties remain strong,” he stated.
South Africa has already begun engaging with U.S. officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders to restore diplomatic stability. Ramaphosa emphasized that ongoing negotiations would focus on economic cooperation, political dialogue, and ensuring a balanced and fair partnership between the two nation.
Source : daljoog news
