South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, has been declared persona non grata by the U.S. government. He has been given until Friday, March 21, to leave the country. The decision follows remarks he made about former U.S. President Donald Trump, which American officials deemed offensive and racially divisive.
U.S. Government Orders Rasool’s Immediate Departure
According to a report by Breitbart, Rasool delivered a speech at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) in Johannesburg on Friday, March 14. In his address, he reportedly claimed that Donald Trump led a white supremacist movement in the U.S. and globally.
Following these remarks, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly condemned Rasool. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Rubio stated:
“Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates President Donald Trump. We have nothing to discuss with him, and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.”
In an official letter dated March 14, the U.S. Department of State cited Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations as the basis for expelling Rasool. The letter clarified that his diplomatic status would be revoked on Monday, March 17, at which point his diplomatic privileges and immunities would cease. Rasool and his dependents were instructed to leave the U.S. no later than March 21.
Why the U.S. Expelled Ebrahim Rasool
The State Department explained that Rasool’s statements were “deeply offensive” and made further diplomatic engagement impossible.
Additionally, the department stated:
“The Department will no longer recognize Ambassador Rasool as a member of the mission as of Monday, 17 March. Further, Ambassador Rasool is considered unacceptable for future accreditation as a member of the South African mission to the United States.”
South Africa Responds to Rasool’s Expulsion
The South African Presidency acknowledged the U.S. government’s decision and described it as “regrettable.”
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya issued a statement urging all parties to handle the matter diplomatically:
“The Presidency urges all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter. South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America.”
Meanwhile, South African International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed to news outlet eNCA that he had spoken to Rasool and that the ambassador was given 72 hours to exit the country.
What Happens Next?
Ebrahim Rasool’s expulsion marks a rare and serious diplomatic move between the two nations. While the South African government has not announced any immediate retaliatory measures, the situation could impact future diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Washington, D.C.
As the deadline approaches, many are questioning the long-term effects of this decision. Will it strain South Africa-U.S. relations? Or will both countries move past this incident diplomatically?
Do you believe Ebrahim Rasool’s expulsion was justified? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
