Opposition parties in South Africa are urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to stand firm against what they view as undue pressure from the United States, following the abrupt expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. The US government has given Rasool 72 hours to leave after State Secretary Marco Rubio labeled him a "race-baiting politician."
South Africa Faces Diplomatic Pressure from US Over Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool
South Africa Faces Diplomatic Pressure from US Over Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool
Tensions escalate as South African opposition calls for unity against perceived US bullying following the expulsion of Ambassador Rasool.
The discord between the US and South Africa has been growing since the Trump administration took office. South Africa's International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola criticized "Twitter diplomacy," emphasizing the importance of direct dialogue between nations. Meanwhile, Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemned the US stance, imploring Ramaphosa to resist being "bullied" by American leadership, referencing Trump's controversial remarks regarding South Africa’s land reform policies.
Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) Secretary General Apa Pooe also did not hold back, dubbing the US decision an infringement on South Africa’s sovereignty, while asserting that the country has the autonomy to determine its governance without foreign interference.
Rasool, who held the ambassadorial position from 2010 to 2015 under Barack Obama and was reinstated in 2024, has reportedly struggled to forge relations with the Trump administration, which has been openly critical of South African policies. South Africa categorically denies accusations of discrimination against white Afrikaners, a claim that has arisen in the wake of funding cuts from the US to South Africa.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), a key coalition party, is questioning the continued unilateral control of foreign policy by the African National Congress (ANC) given its minority status in the coalition government. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp has called for broader representation in diplomatic appointments to mitigate ongoing tensions with the US.
In light of these developments, analysts are observing the implications for South Africa’s international relations as it navigates this diplomatic crisis while ensuring its sovereignty remains intact.
Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) Secretary General Apa Pooe also did not hold back, dubbing the US decision an infringement on South Africa’s sovereignty, while asserting that the country has the autonomy to determine its governance without foreign interference.
Rasool, who held the ambassadorial position from 2010 to 2015 under Barack Obama and was reinstated in 2024, has reportedly struggled to forge relations with the Trump administration, which has been openly critical of South African policies. South Africa categorically denies accusations of discrimination against white Afrikaners, a claim that has arisen in the wake of funding cuts from the US to South Africa.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), a key coalition party, is questioning the continued unilateral control of foreign policy by the African National Congress (ANC) given its minority status in the coalition government. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp has called for broader representation in diplomatic appointments to mitigate ongoing tensions with the US.
In light of these developments, analysts are observing the implications for South Africa’s international relations as it navigates this diplomatic crisis while ensuring its sovereignty remains intact.
