Amid rising tensions between South Africa and the US following the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, South African opposition parties are calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to stand firm against what they describe as US bullying. The backlash follows sharp criticisms aimed at Rasool by US officials, prompting calls for a more unified and assertive national foreign policy.
South African Leaders Decry US Action as "Bullying" Amid Ambassador Dispute
South African Leaders Decry US Action as "Bullying" Amid Ambassador Dispute
Opposition parties in South Africa criticize the US for expelling Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, urging President Ramaphosa to resist foreign pressure.
As diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States fray, opposition figures are rallying to support their government's stance against perceived bullying from Washington. The call to action emerged after Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was abruptly declared an "unwelcome person" and given just 72 hours to exit the US, following US State Secretary Marco Rubio’s claims that Rasool is a "race-baiting politician" antagonistic towards America.
Tensions have been escalating since the Trump administration took office, with South Africa's Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, advocating for face-to-face dialogue rather than “Twitter diplomacy” as a solution to the conflict. Critics within the country are expressing their discontent more vocally. Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has strongly condemned the US’s actions, referring to President Trump as “the orange clown” and urging Ramaphosa to uphold South Africa's sovereignty.
Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) Secretary General Apa Pooe echoed these sentiments, denouncing the US's decision as an infringement on South African autonomy and asserting that the nation should operate free from external manipulation. He emphasized that South Africa is not a puppet of the US and is entitled to govern independently.
The backdrop to these tensions includes Trump’s prior criticisms of the South African land expropriation bill, which allows for land grabs without compensation under certain conditions. Additionally, recent aid cuts to South Africa have raised concerns among local leaders regarding the treatment of the white Afrikaner minority.
Rasool, who previously acted as ambassador from 2010 to 2015 under President Obama, faced significant obstacles upon resuming his position in 2024 due to political biases surrounding his pro-Palestine views. An unnamed South African diplomat suggested that Rasool’s past may hinder his ability to connect with the current US administration.
In this politically charged environment, the Democratic Alliance (DA) questioned the African National Congress (ANC)'s monopoly over foreign diplomacy, citing that it is unjust for a party holding only 39% of the parliamentary seats to dictate South Africa’s foreign policy. As calls swell for greater representation in foreign affairs, the situation remains delicate as South Africa navigates its international relationship amidst ongoing disputes.
