In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, is “no longer welcome” in the country. This announcement came through a post on social media platform X, where Rubio described Rasool as a “race-baiting politician” who harbours animosity toward former President Donald Trump, declaring him “persona non grata.” Few details were provided regarding the rationale behind this decision, and the State Department had no further comments; it was unclear if Rasool was present in the U.S. at the time of the announcement. Rubio made this statement while returning from a Group of 7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Quebec.
Historically, the expulsion of ambassadors is an uncommon action. In previous tense diplomatic climates, such as during the Cold War or incidents involving Russia, neither side opted to expel ambassadors despite severe tensions. This particular decision follows an executive order signed by Trump that reduced aid to South Africa’s government, which is predominantly Black-led. The order alleged that Afrikaners, descendants of early Dutch settlers in South Africa, were being persecuted under a new law enabling the government to reclaim private land.
The South African government has denied claims that this new legislation has racial implications and expressively refutes the narrative that Trump’s statements are based in fact. Requests for commentary from the South African Embassy went unanswered.
Rasool’s political background is significant; he previously served as ambassador from 2010 to 2015 before returning to that role earlier this year. His childhood experience of being forced from a Cape Town area designated for whites fuels his commitment to anti-apartheid activism. Notably, he had previously been incarcerated for his political involvement and was closely aligned with the legacy of former South African President Nelson Mandela.
Trump’s statements concerning land confiscations under the Expropriation Act, signed into law by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, suggest that land is taken from “racially disfavoured landowners,” despite no actual transfers occurring under this law. The Act aims to rectify the injustices of apartheid, allowing for state-driven land redistribution in the public interest. Following Trump’s controversial remarks, plans were suggested to offer Afrikaners refugee status in the U.S., highlighting an aspect of South Africa’s complex socio-political landscape.
Elon Musk, in comments made on social media, painted the Expropriation Act as a direct threat to the white minority in South Africa, reinforcing the charged atmosphere surrounding the discussion of land reform in the country. Musk, who has roots in South Africa, remains a prominent figure aligning himself with Trump’s perspectives on this matter.