Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared South African ambassador Ebrahim Rasool persona non grata after Rasool criticized Donald Trump. This decision comes amidst deteriorating U.S.-South Africa relations, marked by U.S. aid cuts and political tensions regarding race and land expropriation. Rasool’s remarks highlighted a perceived global movement catering to white communities, intensifying the controversy surrounding his position.
The South African ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, has been declared persona non grata by Secretary of State Marco Rubio following the ambassador’s critical remarks about former President Donald Trump. Rubio stated on social media that Rasool is “no longer welcome” in the United States and accused him of being a “race-baiting politician” who dislikes America and its leadership.
Rasool’s comments were made during a discussion at a panel hosted by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection. He suggested that Trump’s Make America Great Again campaign and similar efforts by international figures were part of a global trend that played to the fears of white communities. Specifically, he mentioned, “It may not be true, it may not make sense, but that is not the dog whistle that is being heard in a global, white base.”
Rasool, who previously held the same ambassadorship during the Obama administration, has reportedly faced difficulties in securing meetings with Trump administration officials. A diplomatic source noted the challenges Rasool might encounter due to his Muslim faith and pro-Palestinian stance. The strained relations between the United States and South Africa have worsened under the Trump administration.
In the context of these tensions, last month, the Trump administration cut off U.S. aid to South Africa, protesting the country’s allegations against Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice. Additionally, opposition to a law permitting land expropriations to address historical injustices has added to the fallout, as the administration labeled the measure as racist against white Afrikaners. Amidst this backdrop, South Africa revealed that it intends to increase national spending on health, potentially impacting U.S. aid initiatives that support HIV treatment for millions in the country.
In summary, the declaration of Ebrahim Rasool as persona non grata highlights the rapid decline in U.S.-South Africa relations under the Trump administration. The tensions stem from both Rasool’s critical comments regarding Trump and broader political disagreements related to issues of race and international relations. The situation reflects a significant shift in diplomatic interactions and underscores the complexities of U.S. foreign policy regarding historical and contemporary injustices.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
