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The South African presidency has described the United States’ decision to expel its ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, as “regrettable” and called for diplomatic decorum in managing the situation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that Rasool was no longer welcome in the US, labeling him a “race-baiting politician” who harbors hostility toward President Donald Trump.
In a statement, the South African Presidency reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties with Washington despite the diplomatic rift.
The expulsion further strains relations between the two countries, following Trump’s February decision to freeze US aid to South Africa, citing concerns over land reforms that he claims allow the government to seize white-owned farms.
Last week, Trump intensified the dispute by offering South African farmers the opportunity to settle in the US, reiterating his accusations against Pretoria’s land policies.
