US Expels South African Ambassador, Escalating Diplomatic Conflict
Tensions Between the US and South Africa Rise
The US expelled South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, giving him 72 hours to leave the country. The decision has further strained relations between Washington and Pretoria. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Rasool of inciting racial hatred and hostility toward America.
South African Political Response
Opposition parties in South Africa have condemned the US decision. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) urged President Cyril Ramaphosa not to succumb to US pressure. EFF leader Julius Malema criticized Washington, referring to Trump as a "red clown occupying the White House". The Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania also denounced the move as an attack on South Africa’s sovereignty.
Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola stated that diplomatic disputes should not be settled through Twitter and called for negotiations. However, US-South Africa relations have been deteriorating since Trump took office.
Trump’s Past Criticism of South Africa
Trump has previously criticized South Africa’s land reform policy, which allows for land expropriation without compensation. Last month, he cut financial aid to South Africa, citing discrimination against white Afrikaners.
Ambassador Rasool’s Controversial Views
Rasool, who previously served as South Africa’s ambassador to the US from 2010 to 2015, returned to the position in 2024. However, diplomats suggest that his pro-Palestinian stance may have influenced Washington’s decision to expel him.
South African Coalition Divisions
The Democratic Alliance (DA), a South African coalition party, criticized the ANC’s dominance in foreign policy and proposed sending a delegation to Washington to ease tensions.
Diplomatic Relations at Risk
This incident deepens US-South Africa tensions, posing a risk of further deterioration in bilateral relations.
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