US expels South African ambassador and increase diplomatic tension

The United States’s decision to expel Ebrahim Rasol, South Africa ambassador, intensified the diplomatic crisis between the two countries. The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced the decision in a publication on social network X, stating that Rasol “is no longer welcome” in the country and accusing him of being a “politician who incites racism.”

The decision was received with disapproval by the South African government, which classified it as “unfortunate.” The presidency of South Africa stressed that it is still committed to building a cooperation relationship with the United States, despite the unusual diplomatic episode.

The episode gained repercussion after Rasol participated in an online lecture, in which he criticized Trump’s policy. The ambassador stated that the former president was “mobilizing supremism” and using speeches about white victimization to reinforce his political base. He also suggested that South Africa was being attacked for representing a “historical antidote” to supremism.

Rubio reacted by calling Rasol “persona non grata” and shared an article from the right -wing channel Breitbart, which highlighted the speech of the diplomat. The expulsion measure is uncommon for a high -ranking employee and intensifies wear between the two countries, which has been deteriorating since Trump’s inauguration.

Last month, Washington froze financial aid to the African country, alleging discrimination against white farmers, in response to a South African law that allows the expropriation of private lands.

Rasol, who had already been a US ambassador between 2010 and 2015, was removed from office amid an increasingly fierce debate between nations.

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With information from agencies