South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool Ordered to Leave US by Friday
The US State Department mandates South Africa's ambassador Ebrahim Rasool to exit by Friday following his designation as persona non grata.
Overview
The US State Department has ordered South Africa’s ambassador Ebrahim Rasool to leave the country by Friday after declaring him persona non grata, citing unacceptable remarks he made about President Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Rasool of race-baiting and criticized his comments linking Trump to white supremacy during a webinar. This unusual expulsion, part of broader tensions between the two nations, follows Trump's recent executive order halting aid to South Africa. Despite the tensions, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed a commitment to preserve bilateral relations.
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Analysis
- The U.S. State Department has declared South Africa's ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, 'persona non grata' due to his controversial comments about President Trump, requiring him to leave by Friday.
- Rasool's expulsion is seen as part of the Trump administration's broader strategy towards South Africa, which includes criticisms of its government and policies perceived as anti-white.
- Despite the tension, South Africa aims to maintain a respectful diplomatic relationship with the U.S., emphasizing mutual benefits in their interactions.
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ABC News·4M·FAQ
Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was declared persona non grata due to remarks he made during a webinar, which were deemed unacceptable by the US. Specifically, he linked President Trump to a white supremacist movement, leading Secretary of State Marco Rubio to accuse him of race-baiting.
The expulsion of Ambassador Rasool is part of broader tensions between the US and South Africa, following Trump's executive order halting aid to South Africa. Despite these tensions, South Africa remains committed to maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with the US.
History
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