Secretary of State Marco Rubio has effectively expelled South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, following critical remarks made by Rasool about the Trump administration. This announcement came as Rubio returned from a Group of 7 meeting in Canada.
Rubio took to social media to label Rasool a “race-baiting politician who hates America” and President Trump, declaring him persona non grata. This designation means that Rasool must be removed from his position as ambassador. Rubio’s comments were in response to remarks Rasool made at an event in Johannesburg, where he described Trump as leading a “supremacist” movement against the established powers in South Africa.
According to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, a host country can declare any member of a diplomatic mission persona non grata at any time without needing to provide a reason. When this happens, the sending country must either recall the individual or terminate their duties.
Rubio’s actions are part of a broader pattern of tension between the U.S. and South Africa. Last month, he announced he would boycott a meeting of top diplomats from the Group of 20 nations in South Africa, criticizing the focus on themes like solidarity and equality. While Rubio stayed away, other countries, including China, sent their top officials to participate.
This incident follows Trump’s recent executive order aimed at prioritizing the resettlement of white South African farmers in the U.S., whom he called “Afrikaner refugees.” This order has drawn criticism, as the practice of seizing land from white farmers is not widespread in South Africa. Trump also directed the federal government to halt all aid to the country.
The expulsion of Rasool marks a significant diplomatic move that could strain U.S.-South Africa relations further. It reflects the current administration’s hardline stance and its willingness to confront foreign diplomats over their comments.