U.S. Expels South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool Amid Tensions

The U.S. has ordered South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool to leave by Friday, following a declaration of “persona non grata”. This rare move by the State Department, led by Secretary Marco Rubio, arises from tensions over Rasool’s remarks on U.S. demographics and Razool’s criticism of Trump’s policies. South Africa has acknowledged the expulsion but aims to continue positive relations with the U.S.

The U.S. State Department has stated that Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., must leave the country by Friday. This order follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s determination that Rasool was “persona non grata.” The South African embassy was formally notified, explaining the decision. The Department indicated that Rasool’s diplomatic privileges lapsed on Monday, prompting the requirement for his departure by the set deadline.

Rubio’s announcement came via a social media post while returning from a G7 meeting in Canada. He criticized Rasool as a “race-baiting politician” and shared a link to a Breitbart article detailing Rasool’s recent comments in a webinar, where he discussed the demographic changes in the U.S.

The expulsion of a foreign ambassador is rare, with lower-ranking diplomats typically facing such measures. This move marks another step by the Trump administration against South Africa, following an executive order issued by Trump last month that suspended funding to the country for purported anti-white policies and support for groups like Hamas and Iran.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office acknowledged the expulsion of Rasool, urging diplomatic staff to adhere to established protocols. They emphasized South Africa’s intention to maintain a constructive relationship with the U.S.

The U.S. State Department has ordered the expulsion of South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, marking a rare diplomatic action against an ambassador. The decision, made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, comes amid heightened tensions between the Trump administration and South Africa. Despite the expulsion, South Africa expressed a commitment to sustaining positive diplomatic relations with the U.S.

Original Source: apnews.com