Diplomatic Rift Deepens: U.S. Labels South African Envoy ‘Persona Non Grata

Editorial: Widad Wahbi

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, has been declared “persona non grata” in Washington. In a message posted on platform X, Rubio sharply criticized the South African diplomat, accusing him of “fueling racial tensions” and openly displaying “hatred” towards former President Donald Trump.

Rubio asserted that Rasool’s behavior has deepened existing social divisions and tensions in the United States, prompting the extraordinary decision to declare him undesirable in Washington. This rare diplomatic measure highlights escalating tensions between the two nations, potentially harming short-term bilateral relations.

South Africa has not yet officially responded to this declaration. However, this diplomatic incident could further exacerbate tensions between Pretoria and Washington in the coming weeks.