The United States has taken the drastic step of expelling the South African ambassador from Washington, citing his alleged hatred for America and former President Donald Trump. This move marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations. According to a statement released by the South African presidency on Saturday, March 18, 2023, the country views the decision as unfortunate but reaffirms its intention to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with the US.
The expulsion of Ambassador Ebrihim Rasool was announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, who posted on X that the diplomat was no longer welcome in the country. Rubio described Rasool as a “racist promoter” who hates America and the US President, stating that there was nothing to discuss with him and that he was thus considered persona non grata.
This rare move of expelling an ambassador underscores the rising tensions between the Washington and Pretoria governments. The relationship between the two nations has been strained since February, when Trump suspended aid to South Africa, citing the country’s laws allowing land expropriation from white farmers. Trump further inflamed tensions by stating that white South African farmers seeking to escape the country due to safety concerns would be welcomed in the US and expedited through the citizenship process.
The issue of land ownership is a longstanding problem in South Africa, where the majority of agricultural land has been held by whites for over three decades since the end of apartheid. The South African government is under intense pressure to reform the system, but the matter remains highly contentious. As reported by Channel News Asia, the situation continues to be a point of significant tension between the US and South Africa.
