South Africa is actively searching for a new ambassador to the United States following the expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool, who was declared persona non grata by Washington last week, according to U.S. media reports.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that Rasool was no longer welcome in the country, labeling him a “race-baiting politician” and accusing him of harboring hostility towards both the United States and President Donald Trump.
Rasool’s expulsion came after controversial remarks he made at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) in Johannesburg, where he said white supremacist ideologies were shaping U.S. foreign policy and driving Trump’s disregard for global institutions such as the United Nations and the G20.
According to U.S. outlet Semafor, sources familiar with the matter confirmed that Pretoria has begun the process of appointing a new envoy, though officials have ruled out any immediate retaliatory action. “There is currently no intention to expel the U.S. ambassador,” one unnamed government source said, adding that the situation would be handled through diplomatic channels.
Rasool, who previously served as South Africa’s ambassador to Washington from 2010 to 2015 and was reappointed earlier this year, was given 72 hours to leave the U.S., according to South African officials.
Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), confirmed over the weekend that diplomatic discussions were underway. “We are engaging with our counterparts in Washington and will address this matter through the appropriate channels,” Phiri said in a statement.
The diplomatic fallout marks a fresh strain in U.S.-South Africa relations, already tested by differing positions on global issues, including the war in Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, and Pretoria’s growing ties with BRICS nations such as China and Russia.
Political analysts say Rasool’s expulsion reflects escalating ideological tensions between the Biden-Trump-aligned U.S. administration and South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has maintained a non-aligned stance in several global disputes.
“The tone of the U.S. administration is becoming more confrontational towards countries perceived to challenge the West’s hegemony,” said Sipho Madlala, an analyst at the Institute for Global Dialogue in Pretoria. “South Africa is being caught in the crossfire.”
As of Tuesday, no official nomination for Rasool’s replacement had been announced, though sources indicate that consultations are underway within the Presidency and DIRCO.
South Africa is currently serving as chair of the G20 and is expected to host several high-level summits this year. Observers say Pretoria will be keen to avoid further disruptions to its international standing amid growing scrutiny from Western capitals.
