The South African government has expressed regret over the United States’ decision to expel its ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, calling for diplomatic decorum in handling the matter.
The expulsion, announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 14, 2025, declared Rasool persona non grata, effectively barring him from remaining in the U.S. Rubio described Rasool as a “race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS.”
The move has escalated tensions between the two nations, which have recently clashed over issues such as South Africa’s land reform policies and differing international stances.
In response, the South African Presidency issued a statement acknowledging the expulsion as “regrettable” but reaffirming the country’s commitment to maintaining a strong bilateral relationship with the United States.
“The Presidency urges all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter,” the statement read, emphasizing South Africa’s desire for constructive diplomatic relations despite the incident.
The expulsion of Rasool follows a series of disagreements between Washington and Pretoria.
The U.S. has criticized South Africa’s domestic policies, while South Africa has pushed back against what it sees as undue interference in its sovereign affairs. The latest development is expected to add further strain to their diplomatic ties.
While the U.S. has yet to specify whether a replacement ambassador will be accepted, South Africa has urged dialogue to resolve tensions.
The situation continues to develop as both nations navigate the diplomatic fallout.