The South African Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, has returned to Cape Town in the midst of enthusiastic supporters. He had been labeled as persona non grata and sent away following his criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ebrahim Rasool, the South African envoy to the United States, received a hearty reception upon his return to his homeland on Sunday.
Rasool, who was
expelled
From the United States and declaredpersona non grataby President Donald Trump’s administration, he was welcomed at Cape Town International Airport by numerous supporters who greeted him with song.
“A declaration of persona non grata is intended to shame you. However, upon returning to these gatherings filled with warmth…I shall embrace my status as persona non grata as a symbol of honor. Although coming back wasn’t our decision, we return without any remorse,” he stated to both the crowd and journalists during his initial remarks following expulsion.
He was granted till Friday to depart from the United States.
What were the reasons for expelling South Africa’s ambassador?
The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated earlier this week that Rasool had been dismissed following his characterization of Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ initiative as being driven by a “supremacist tendency” within the country. This statement came during a webinar hosted by a South African research institute.
Rasool additionally addressed Trump’s efforts to reduce initiatives focused on diversity and equality as well as his approaches to immigration policy.
Last month, the
US cut funding
To South Africa after alleging that the government backs Hamas and Iran.
Trump also accused the country of pursuing anti-white policies by grabbing land from white farmers, without providing any evidence. He also welcomed the farmers to settle in the US.
Rasool emphasized the importance of mending South Africa’s relationship with the US.
He stated, ‘Our purpose is not to declare ourselves as anti-American. We are not advocating for discarding our interests associated with the United States.’
Rasool also stated that South Africa will stand firm against attempts to persuade them to withdraw their case against Israel, an ally of the United States, at the International Court of Justice. They accuse Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The ex-anti-apartheid activist is scheduled to present a report to South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday.
Edited by: Wesley Dockery
Author: Tanika Godbole (with AFP, AP)
