South Africa Calls U.S. Ambassador Expulsion “Regrettable” Amid Growing Tensions
The South African presidency has expressed disappointment over the United States’ decision to expel its ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool. The move comes after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Rasool of being hostile toward America and President Donald Trump.
On Friday, Rubio announced on social media that Rasool was no longer welcome in the U.S., labeling him a “race-baiting politician” and declaring him persona non grata.
In response, South Africa’s government released a statement calling the expulsion “regrettable” and urging diplomatic engagement to remain respectful. The statement also reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to maintaining a constructive relationship with the United States.
A Strained Relationship
The expulsion marks another escalation in tensions between Washington and Pretoria. Earlier this year, Trump halted U.S. aid to South Africa, citing concerns over land reform policies that he claims unfairly target white farmers.
The situation worsened last week when Trump publicly invited South African farmers to relocate to the U.S., promising them a fast-tracked path to citizenship. This move sparked further debate, with billionaire Elon Musk—who was born in South Africa—criticizing the country’s government for what he described as “racist ownership laws.”
Land ownership remains a deeply sensitive issue in South Africa, as most agricultural land is still owned by white citizens, decades after the end of apartheid. The government continues to face pressure to address historical inequalities through land reform initiatives.
A Shifting Diplomatic Landscape
Despite previous diplomatic ties, tensions between Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa have grown. Ramaphosa recently recalled having a “wonderful” conversation with Trump when he first took office but acknowledged that relations “went off track” over time.
The controversy surrounding Rasool also stems from his outspoken views. In a recent foreign policy seminar, he criticized Trump’s “disrespect” for global alliances and linked the Make America Great Again movement to white supremacist sentiments.
Rasool has also been vocal about his stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza, comparing them to “apartheid on steroids”—a statement that has drawn both support and criticism.
As tensions continue, the diplomatic fallout between the two nations remains uncertain, raising questions about the future of U.S.-South Africa relations.
