In a significant diplomatic setback, Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, has been declared persona non grata by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This decision has prompted strong reactions from the civil rights organisation AfriForum, which criticises the African National Congress (ANC) for what it perceives as irresponsible diplomatic manoeuvres.
Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, expressed grave concerns about the implications of Rasool’s expulsion, stating, “This is proof that the ANC’s diplomatic gamble is failing and will cost the country and its people dearly.”
Kriel holds the ANC and Rasool accountable for what he describes as a diplomatic blunder that threatens the nation’s international relations, particularly with a key ally like the United States.
Kriel’s criticism comes in the wake of a series of actions by the ANC, which he believes have exacerbated tensions with the US.
“In the midst of the current diplomatic tension, the ANC leaders saw fit to invite Iran’s ambassador to South Africa, Mansour Shakib Mehr, to the ANC headquarters last week. And yesterday, Rasool delivered a scathing attack on President Donald Trump,” Kriel highlighted.
He argues that such actions prioritise party interests over the welfare of the country and its citizens.
The recent expulsion follows a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the United States.
In 2024, Trump accused the South African government of targeting white citizens, a statement that ignited outrage and strained diplomatic ties.
The ANC’s response to these accusations has been criticised for lacking clarity and effectiveness, culminating in an inadequate diplomatic approach.
Timeline of escalating tensions:
- June 2024: Former President Trump accused South Africa of violence against white citizens, triggering a wave of criticism from South African leaders.
- September 2024: South Africa’s government attempts to clarify its position, asserting its commitment to equality and justice for all citizens, but relations remain fragile.
- March 2025: In a controversial move, the ANC invites Iranian Ambassador Mansour Shakib Mehr to its headquarters, further straining relations with the US.
- March 15, 2025: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announces the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, declaring him persona non grata.
Kriel warns that the ANC’s actions risk leading South Africa down a path of destruction, emphasising the need for a clear change in direction for the country’s foreign policy.
“AfriForum will persevere in these efforts; otherwise, the actions of the ANC leaders will lead the country down a path of destruction. We owe it to our children to now take a strong stand against the injustice that President Cyril Ramaphosa and his cadres are committing to the detriment of everyone in the country,” Kriel said.
As South Africa grapples with these diplomatic challenges, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of South Africa’s diplomatic standing and its relationship with the United States.
thabo.makwakwa@iol.co.za
IOL
