US expels South Africa ambassador

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio gives a speech in the U.S. State Department Building on February 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. [Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images]

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday the expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to America, Ebrahim Rasool.

Rubio said in a post on X: “South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country. Emrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS.”

“We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA,” he added.

Rubio, a right-wing politician, attached a link to an article from the right-wing Breitbart news website to his post. The article discusses remarks made by Rasool in a speech addressing the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) in Johannesburg regarding Trump’s election and presidency.

Rasool told attendees at a foreign policy seminar that “President Donald Trump is leading a white supremacist movement in America and around the world.”

The office for South Africa’s president issued a statement on Saturday calling the decision “regrettable”, adding that the country remained committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the US and would address the matter through diplomatic channels.

A US State Department spokesperson said Rasool is required to leave the US by 21 March.

READ: South Africa accuses Israel of weaponising food in war on Gaza

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