Topic: World News
by MPeriod
Posted 8 months ago
The Trump administration has expelled South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, marking another step against South Africa, which the U.S. has criticized for its policies. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that Rasool is "no longer welcome" in the U.S., labeling him a "race-baiting politician."
This decision follows Rasool's comments during a recent webinar, suggesting that the "Make America Great Again" movement might stem from “a supremacist instinct.” Rubio linked his statement to a Breitbart article reporting on the webinar.
Previously, Trump issued an executive order cutting funds to South Africa, criticizing its Black-led government for implementing anti-white policies and supporting controversial groups like Hamas and Iran. His administration has been particularly focused on the rights of white farmers in South Africa.
Trump has accused the South African government of seizing land from white Afrikaner farmers, a claim that has been disputed by South African officials. Experts have stated that white farmers are not specifically targeted and that all races face violence in the country.
Despite composing only 7% of the population, whites still own most of South Africa's prime agricultural land, a vestige from apartheid. The South African government is attempting to rectify these disparities through a new expropriation law aimed at unused lands.
Further complicating U.S.-South African relations, Trump took issue with South Africa's role in a United Nations case against Israel, accusing South Africa of backing Hamas. This criticism is part of a broader narrative questioning the nation’s foreign policy choices.
South Africa has a long-standing commitment to the Palestinian cause, which can be traced back to Nelson Mandela. Ambassador Rasool's background in a Muslim community in South Africa adds to the complexities of this issue, which resonates with many in his community.
Following Rasool’s expulsion, the South African government expressed its desire to restore positive relations with the U.S. President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that his administration is committed to building a "mutually beneficial relationship."
Relations between the U.S. and South Africa have been strained for years, with the Biden administration also criticizing South Africa's alignment with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. Despite this, Ramaphosa has sought dialogue with U.S. leaders to mend ties.