Washington expels South African Ambassador

The United States of America on Friday gave marching orders to the South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool declaring him ‘persona non grata’ - the latin phrase for “unwelcome person”.

Secretary of state, Marco Rubio made this known in a social media post on X where Rasool was accused of hating America and Donald Trump. 

The post further described Rasool as a “race-baiting politician” who was no longer welcome in the country. 

Ties between the United States and South Africa have deteriorated since Trump cut U.S. financial aid to the country, citing disapproval of its land policy and of its genocide case at the International Court of Justice against Washington's ally Israel.

Trump has said, without citing evidence, that "South Africa is confiscating land" and that "certain classes of people" are being treated "very badly."

South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who is close to Trump, has said white South Africans have been the victims of "racist ownership laws."

In a statement released from the President of South Africa on X, The Presidency “noted the regrettable expulsion” of the Country’s envoy to America. 

It urged all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter adding that “South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America”.

Rasool, on his second assignment in Washington had just presented his credentials to former President Joe Biden on January 13th marking the beginning of the envoy’s duties in the United states of America. 

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