Warm reception for South African ambassador after US expulsion

South African Ambassador Ibrahim Rasool was greeted by a large crowd upon his return to South Africa after being expelled from the United States, where he was declared "persona non grata" by the administration of President Donald Trump, according to The Guardian.

Thousands gathered at Cape Town International Airport to welcome Rasool and his wife, Rosida. The crowd was so large that police had to intervene and escort the couple through the masses.

In his first statement after returning, Rasool said, "The goal of expelling me from the US was to humiliate me, but seeing this public reception, I now consider it an honor." He added, "We did not choose to leave America, but we return to our homeland without regret."

Rasool’s expulsion stemmed from comments he made during a virtual seminar, in which he stated that the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement partly emerged as a response to "racial instincts."

On March 14, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced via X that Rasool had been labeled a "persona non grata," calling him a "politician who incites racism and harbors hatred for Trump and the United States."

US cuts funding to South Africa

In February, President Trump issued an executive order to halt all US aid to South Africa, accusing the government of supporting Hamas and Iran, while pursuing policies hostile to white South Africans.

In response, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa defended his government's policies, asserting, "South Africa has not expropriated any land, and our policies aim to ensure justice in land redistribution."

Rasool: South Africa won't succumb to US pressure

Rasool emphasized that while South Africa was open to repairing its relationship with the United States, it would not bow to American pressures, particularly regarding the case against 'Israel' at the International Court of Justice, accusing 'Israel' of committing genocide in Gaza.

He said, "This is not the US of Obama or Clinton, but a different nation and our rhetoric must evolve accordingly." He added, "I will remain steadfast in my views, as we were analyzing a political phenomenon, not an individual or a nation."

A 2023 report from the US Congressional Research Service revealed that the United States has provided USD 8 billion in aid to South Africa over the past two decades. However, tensions between the two countries have increased under the Trump administration.

Future of US-South Africa relations

As South Africa faces political and economic pressures due to its international positions, questions remain regarding how US policies will impact South Africa’s stance and its ability to withstand potential sanctions without damaging its economic interests.