Political factions in South Africa have rallied against what they see as US bullying after the abrupt expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, prompting calls for greater sovereignty in foreign policy decisions.
South Africa Faces US Pressure Over Ambassador Expulsion Amid Political Tensions
South Africa Faces US Pressure Over Ambassador Expulsion Amid Political Tensions
Opposition parties challenge President Ramaphosa to stand firm against US demands following the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool.
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, South Africa's political opposition has voiced strong concerns following the US government's decision to expel Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, who was given just 72 hours to leave the country. This announcement came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled Rasool a "race-baiting politician who hates America."
The situation marks a low point in South Africa-US relations, particularly since the onset of Donald Trump's presidency. Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola urged for direct dialogue between the two nations rather than engaging in "Twitter diplomacy." However, many politicians, including Julius Malema from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), have criticized the US harshly. Malema implored President Cyril Ramaphosa not to allow the nation to be intimidated by "the orange clown occupying the White House."
Pan Africanist Congress Secretary General Apa Pooe echoed this sentiment, condemning the US action as a violation of South Africa's sovereignty and an unwarranted attempt to influence the country’s policies. He emphasized that South Africa should govern independently, free from external control.
Tensions have been exacerbated by Trump's public criticism of South Africa's controversial land reform legislation and the recent cuts in US aid, which he claims stem from discrimination against white Afrikaners. South Africa has firmly rejected these assertions.
Ambassador Rasool, who previously served from 2010 to 2015 under President Obama and was reappointed in 2024 due to his extensive political network, has faced considerable challenges in reestablishing relations with the US under the current administration. An anonymous South African diplomat remarked that Rasool’s history of pro-Palestinian advocacy might hinder his effectiveness in the role at this particular time.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), a component of South Africa's government of national unity (GNU), has raised concerns over the African National Congress's (ANC) control of foreign affairs and diplomatic appointments, arguing that the coalition should have a greater voice, especially when dealing with Washington. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp has called for more representatives from the GNU to engage with US officials to help mitigate the rising tensions between the two nations.
