The United States has expelled South Africa’s ambassador Ebrahim Rasool in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two nations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday night that Rasool had been declared persona non grata, accusing him of being a “race-baiting politician” who harbours hostility toward America and President Donald Trump.
“South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country,” Rubio stated on social media platform X.
“We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.”
Rasool, who began his second tenure as ambassador in the US in January 2025, has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration.
His expulsion follows a series of contentious exchanges between Washington and Pretoria, including the US freezing aid to South Africa in February.
The Trump administration cited South Africa’s land reform policies, which it claims unfairly target white farmers, as the reason for the aid suspension.
South Africa has denied these allegations, asserting that the reforms aim to address historical inequalities.
The South African Presidency responded to the expulsion on Saturday, calling it “regrettable” and urging all parties to maintain diplomatic decorum.
“South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America,” the Presidency said in a statement.
This latest development underscores the growing strain in US-South Africa relations, which have been marked by disagreements over land reform, human rights and South Africa’s stance on international issues.
JN/APA