The South African government has expressed regret over the United States’ decision to expel its ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, calling the move “regrettable.” In a statement released on Saturday, the South African presidency urged all parties involved to maintain “diplomatic decorum” as tensions between the two nations rise.
The expulsion of Ambassador Rasool, a former anti-apartheid campaigner, was announced on Friday by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio described Rasool as “a race-baiting politician” with a strong dislike for US President Donald Trump. This marked a significant diplomatic rift between Washington and Pretoria.
“The Presidency has noted the regrettable expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Ebrahim Rasool,” the statement said. It continued by emphasizing South Africa’s commitment to fostering a “mutually beneficial relationship” with the US, despite the setback.
Rasool’s expulsion adds to an already tense relationship between the two nations. Earlier in February, President Trump froze US aid to South Africa, citing concerns over a law he claims allows land seizures from white farmers. In a further escalation last week, Trump suggested that South Africa’s farmers would be welcome to settle in the United States, reiterating accusations that the South African government was “confiscating” land from white citizens.
