South Africa’s presidency has described the United States’ decision to expel its ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, as “regrettable,” calling for diplomatic decorum between the two nations amid rising tensions.
The statement, released on Saturday, came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Rasool was no longer welcome in the country, labeling him “a race-baiting politician” who hates U.S. President Donald Trump.
“The Presidency has noted the regrettable expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Mr. Ebrahim Rasool,” the statement read.
“The Presidency urges all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter. South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America.”
The expulsion of Rasool, a former anti-apartheid activist, marks another flashpoint in the deteriorating relationship between Washington and Pretoria. In February, Trump froze U.S. aid to South Africa, citing concerns over a land reform law that he claimed enables the seizure of white-owned farms.
The rift deepened further last week when Trump stated that South African farmers were welcome to settle in the United States, reiterating his claims that Pretoria’s government was “confiscating” land from white landowners.
As tensions mount, South Africa continues to stress its commitment to diplomatic engagement, though it remains to be seen how both nations will navigate their increasingly strained relationship.
