The South African Presidency has expressed regret over the expulsion of its Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool. The diplomatic fallout intensified after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Rasool “no longer welcome” in the United States, adding to the growing strain between the two nations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the South African government acknowledged the ambassador’s removal while urging all parties to maintain diplomatic decorum in addressing the matter.
“The Presidency urges all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter,” the statement read.
Despite the expulsion, South Africa reiterated its commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations with Washington. “South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America,” the statement continued.
Tensions between the two countries have been rising, with friction escalating further after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month freezing assistance to South Africa. The order cited “egregious actions” by the South African government and alleged “unjust racial discrimination” against white Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch settlers.
The US decision to expel Rasool has sparked criticism from various quarters, with analysts viewing it as a sign of deteriorating diplomatic ties. South Africa has long been a strategic partner of the US in Africa, and the removal of its ambassador marks a significant shift in relations.
Ambassador Rasool, a seasoned diplomat and former Western Cape Premier, has yet to issue an official response to his expulsion. Meanwhile, political commentators suggest that the US’s hardline stance could further alienate South Africa, potentially pushing it closer to alternative geopolitical alliances.
This latest diplomatic standoff comes amid broader geopolitical tensions, with South Africa advocating for a more independent foreign policy, often at odds with Washington’s global strategies. The South African government has emphasized the need for respectful engagement and expressed hope that the situation can be resolved through dialogue.
As the diplomatic fallout continues to unfold, both nations face critical decisions that will shape the future of their bilateral relations. The coming weeks will likely determine whether tensions can be eased or if the rift will deepen further.
