‘Controversial remarks led to expulsion of SA’s envoy’

The United States has officially declared South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool persona-non-grata (PNG), citing remarks he made at a public event that were deemed unacceptable.

The announcement, made on Friday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was formally communicated to South African embassy officials the same day. According to Department of State spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, the decision stemmed from Ambassador Rasool’s comments, which equated the United States President and the nation with white supremacy.

Bruce stated that the remarks cast an “awful light” on both the country and its people, emphasising that such statements failed to meet the basic standards of diplomatic conduct.

“We deserve better,” she remarked during a press briefing, stressing that diplomats are expected to facilitate, not hinder, international relations. In response to inquiries about whether this action signaled a broader warning to foreign diplomats, Bruce clarified that the expulsion was not merely about criticism of the U.S. government but rather the nature of the allegations made.

“These remarks were unacceptable not just to the President but to every American,” she said, describing them as “obscene” in their characterisation of the country.

Ambassador Rasool’s diplomatic privileges and immunities officially expired on Monday, and he has been given until Friday to leave the country. The expulsion marks a rare move by the U.S., with reporters noting that even amid past tensions with Russia, no such measure was taken against its ambassador.

Beyond this specific incident, Bruce reiterated broader United States concerns over South Africa’s policies. She cited the country’s growing ties with Russia and Iran, as well as its stance at the International Court of Justice, where it accused Israel of genocide, as factors prompting a broader review of United States-South Africa relations.

Despite the diplomatic rift, South Africa has expressed a desire to improve relations with America. Bruce acknowledged that efforts to encourage a shift in policy remain ongoing, stating that the ultimate goal is to foster a more constructive relationship. However, she underscored that any improvement would require substantive policy changes on South Africa’s part.