March 24, 2025, Cape Town: Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, returned to Cape Town yesterday, March 23. He was expelled by the Trump Administration. He was greeted by hundreds of supporters at Cape Town International Airport, who sang songs praising him.
Rasool addressed the crowd with a megaphone, stating, “A declaration of persona non grata is meant to humiliate you. But when you return to crowds like this, and with warmth… like this, then I will wear my persona non grata as a badge of dignity.”
The expulsion stemmed from comments Rasool made during a webinar, where he criticized the “Make America Great Again” movement as a reaction to the increasing diversity in U.S. demographics. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled Rasool a “race-baiting politician,” leading to his expulsion.
Rasool’s return comes amid strained relations between the U.S. and South Africa. The U.S. is considering targeted sanctions against South African political figures due to concerns over corruption and policies perceived as hostile to U.S. interests. These deliberations follow the U.S. reducing financial aid and expelling Rasool, citing disagreements over South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies, including its genocide case against Israel and land reforms.
Despite these tensions, Rasool emphasized the importance of mending relations with the U.S. He also reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to pursuing its genocide case against Israel in defense of Palestinians.
The South African government expressed regret over Rasool’s expulsion but remains committed to fostering beneficial relations with the U.S.
Rasool’s supporters view his expulsion as a testament to his dedication to South Africa’s principles and sovereignty. His return has galvanized public sentiment, highlighting the nation’s resilience in the face of international challenges. Keep Reading Questiqa.com.
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