U.S. orders South Africa’s Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool to leave by Friday

The U.S. State Department has declared South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, “persona non grata,” requiring him to leave the country by Friday. This diplomatic decision follows a controversial post by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who criticized Rasool for his remarks about President Donald Trump.

According to department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rasool’s diplomatic privileges expired on Monday, and he has been informed that his departure from the U.S. is mandated by the end of the week. South African officials confirmed that Rasool remains in the U.S., but he will comply with the order and leave as soon as possible.

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Tensions between the U.S. and South Africa escalate

Secretary of State Marco Rubio took to social media to announce that Rasool was no longer welcome in the United States. Rubio accused the ambassador of being a “race-baiting politician” and criticized him for his outspoken views against Trump. The comments were linked to a speech Rasool gave in Johannesburg, where he discussed the Trump administration and the shifting racial dynamics in the U.S.

This rare expulsion of a foreign ambassador signals rising tensions between the U.S. and South Africa, following a series of controversial moves by the Trump administration. These actions include a recent executive order halting aid to South Africa, accusing the Black-led government of pursuing anti-white policies and supporting hostile regimes such as Hamas and Iran.

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South Africa responds and seeks diplomatic resolution

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the matter on Monday, acknowledging the U.S.’s displeasure over Rasool’s remarks but expressing confidence in the resilience of the bilateral relationship. He emphasized that South Africa was working to rebuild the relationship with the United States, despite the diplomatic setback. Ramaphosa assured citizens that the government was handling the situation and would engage the U.S. in a formal manner to address the issue.

The U.S. has emphasized the importance of mutual respect in diplomatic relations, with Bruce stating that the U.S. expects diplomats who can effectively facilitate relationships between the two countries. In contrast, South African officials expressed dissatisfaction with the way the expulsion was handled, particularly the public nature of Rubio’s announcement on social media before formal diplomatic channels were used.