In a significant diplomatic turn, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, has been declared persona non grata, effective immediately. Rubio criticized Rasool, labeling him as a “race-baiting politician” who harbors animosity towards both the United States and former President Donald Trump.

The declaration mandates that Rasool must leave the US by March 21, as confirmed by a State Department spokesperson. This action exemplifies escalating tensions in the US-South Africa relationship, particularly under the Trump administration.

Reaction from South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing his government’s desire to maintain a constructive diplomatic relationship with the United States. Ramaphosa’s office urged all involved parties to uphold diplomatic decorum in their dealings with the situation.

Context of the Situation

This PNG declaration follows Rasool’s remarks at a think tank earlier that day, where he discussed the political landscape in the US, particularly the implications of Trump’s policies. He stated, “What Donald Trump is launching is an assault on incumbency,” linking it to a perceived trend towards white supremacy in the United States.

Rasool, who previously served as South Africa’s ambassador under the Obama administration, voiced concerns over demographic shifts that he argues influence the political climate, suggesting that such changes provoke nativist responses.

Land Reform Controversy

At the heart of recent diplomatic friction are South Africa’s land reform policies. Following the 2021 Expropriation Act, which allows the government to take land without compensation under certain conditions to address historical injustices, the US has expressed strong opposition. Trump and Rubio have criticized these policies, claiming they primarily discriminate against white farmers.

• Under apartheid, non-white South Africans were systematically deprived of land.
• Today, White South Africans own roughly 4% of private land, despite comprising a small percentage of the population.
• The South African government contends that such reforms are essential for achieving equity and justice.

Future Relations

Given the recent escalations, future relations between the US and South Africa remain uncertain. Rubio, citing the need to protect American interests, withdrew from an upcoming G20 foreign ministers meeting in Johannesburg, highlighting the contentious nature of the current diplomatic climate.

Moreover, Trump has introduced measures to facilitate the resettlement of Afrikaners facing discrimination in South Africa, suggesting a commitment to providing refuge for those affected by the government’s land reform initiatives. The State Department has indicated that resettlement processes are already underway for qualifying individuals.