The South African presidency has described the United States’ decision to expel its ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, as “regrettable,” calling for diplomatic decorum between the two nations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that Rasool was no longer welcome in the United States, accusing him of being “a race-baiting politician” who harbours animosity towards US President Donald Trump.
In response, the South African presidency issued a statement acknowledging the expulsion while urging restraint in handling the matter.
“The Presidency has noted the regrettable expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Mr. Ebrahim Rasool,” the statement read.
“The Presidency urges all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter.”
Despite the incident, South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining positive relations with the US.
“South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America,” the presidency added.
Rasool, a former anti-apartheid activist, has become the latest point of contention in the increasingly strained relationship between Washington and Pretoria.
Tensions escalated in February when Trump froze US aid to South Africa, citing a law he claimed permitted the seizure of land from white farmers. The move sparked controversy and diplomatic backlash.
Further deepening the rift, Trump last week reiterated his allegations that the South African government was “confiscating” land from white farmers. He went on to invite South Africa’s farmers to settle in the United States, a statement that further inflamed diplomatic relations.
With Rasool’s expulsion now adding to the friction, the future of US-South Africa ties remains uncertain as both nations navigate the fallout from the latest diplomatic dispute.