The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has announced the expulsion of South Africa's ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, declaring him persona non grata. In a social media post made on BBC, Rubio accused Rasool of being a "race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS.” This move marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and South Africa, stemming from years of strained relations since the Trump administration took office.

Rubio's declaration followed Rasool's comments during an online seminar hosted by the Al Jazeera, where he referred to the Trump-led MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement as an avenue for "white supremacist instincts" in response to demographic shifts in the U.S. voting electorate. Rasool suggested that these shifts indicated a looming majority of minorities in the U.S., sparking Rubio's ire.

The U.S. has cut financial aid to South Africa, citing concerns over a new land expropriation policy that Trump alleges unfairly targets white farmers. However, neither the South African government nor independent analyses support claims that significant land has been confiscated. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the policy as essential for addressing historical injustices from the apartheid era. He expressed regret over the decision to expel Rasool, emphasizing the need to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States, according to the Voice of America.

Rasool previously served in this capacity from 2010 to 2015 and is a notable figure due to his roots in the anti-apartheid movement. His family's evictions during apartheid have shaped his political identity. The ambassador's expulsion comes as part of broader tensions, including Trump's criticism of South Africa's involvement at the International Court of Justice against Israel, which he has portrayed as an anti-American stance.

As political analysts point out, the narrative surrounding the Afrikaners, comprising mainly white farmers, continues to be a theme exploited by Trump's allies, including South African-born billionaire, Elon Musk. Musk has echoed sentiments regarding the alleged "racism" of South African land policies, complicating South Africa's diplomatic posture in recent years.

This unprecedented diplomatic move raises questions about future U.S.-South Africa relations as the latter seeks to engage positively with the current administration despite ongoing challenges. The U.S. State Department has set a deadline for Rasool to vacate his position, reinforcing the serious nature of this diplomatic rift.

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