Ebrahim Rasool stands defiant after U.S. expulsion, cautions against white ambassador appointment

Expelled former ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, has declared that he will wear his persona non grata status as a badge of dignity, despite the humiliation intended by his expulsion.

Arriving to a hero’s welcome in Cape Town on Sunday, Rasool was met by jubilant supporters who praised his firm stance on South Africa’s foreign policy.

However, he issued a strong caution to President Cyril Ramaphosa, urging him not to appoint a white ambassador to appease the U.S. government following his controversial removal.

U.S. Expulsion and Political Fallout

Rasool’s sudden expulsion by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was met with shock and outrage in some political circles.

Rubio accused Rasool of being a race-baiting politician after the ambassador allegedly made comments about America’s “supremacist” approach to foreign relations.

Despite his removal, Rasool remains steadfast in his beliefs, arguing that his remarks were taken out of context and that he was unfairly dismissed without an opportunity to defend himself.

He insists that during his short tenure in the U.S., he was able to engage with over 20 senators and congress members before being ordered to leave the country within a week.

“A declaration of persona non grata is meant to humiliate you, but when you return to a crowd like this, with warmth and a sense of ubuntu, then I will wear my badge of persona non grata as a badge of dignity.”

Debate Over Rasool’s Replacement

As the government looks for a new ambassador to Washington, political tensions are rising over who should fill the role.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has pushed for one of its own to be considered, with Helen Zille suggesting former DA leader and ex-ambassador to Argentina, Tony Leon, as a potential replacement.

The DA has been lobbying for greater influence in South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), particularly regarding foreign policy.

However, Rasool strongly opposed this idea, warning against the assumption that a white ambassador is needed to restore relations with the United States.

“We must hope that President Cyril Ramaphosa will be able to pick up where we left off, but we cannot have a simplistic idea that while we say there must be an ambassador, there must be a white ambassador for a white president.”

His remarks highlight concerns that appointing a white ambassador could be seen as capitulating to U.S. pressure, rather than making a choice based on South Africa’s diplomatic interests.

Mending U.S.-South Africa Relations

Rasool’s departure has left a diplomatic void, with questions about how relations between Pretoria and Washington will evolve.

Despite the tensions, South Africa remains a key player in international politics, and its relationship with the U.S. is crucial for trade, security, and diplomatic cooperation.

Rasool acknowledged that the next ambassador must be someone who can mend ties while also upholding South Africa’s sovereignty and values.

“Ideally, my replacement should be someone who can mend the relationship with the U.S. without sacrificing any of our country’s values.”

Rasool’s History with the U.S.

This was Rasool’s second posting to Washington, having previously served as South Africa’s ambassador during the Obama administration.

His removal during the Biden administration has raised concerns about the state of U.S.-South Africa relations, particularly amid ongoing tensions over South Africa’s stance on global issues, including its non-aligned position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ramaphosa’s Next Move

With Rasool back in South Africa, all eyes are now on President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is expected to appoint a new ambassador soon.

Rasool is set to fully brief the president on his experiences in the U.S. and provide insight into how South Africa can navigate its future diplomatic engagements with Washington.

While his persona non grata status may have ended his time as ambassador, Rasool remains a prominent political figure, and his expulsion will likely continue to spark debate in the weeks to come.

For now, South Africa must carefully consider its next move, balancing diplomatic engagement with the U.S. while ensuring that it does not compromise its values or sovereignty.