DA urges swift action after US expels SA ambassador Ebrahim Rasool

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Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised concerns over the expulsion of South African Ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, calling it a serious diplomatic setback.

DA spokesperson Emma Powell urged the South African government to act swiftly to repair relations with the US, one of its key trade partners, IOL reported. 

“The expulsion of Ambassador Rasool is a significant setback in our diplomatic relations with the United States.

“We call on the presidency to expedite the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) delegation to Washington, DC. This delegation must be tasked with negotiating a pathway to restore and stabilise our diplomatic ties,” the report quoted Powell as saying.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, was “no longer welcome” in the United States.

Rasool “is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS”, Rubio posted on X, referring to Trump by his White House X account handle.

“We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.”

The expulsion came amid rising tensions between the two nations over geopolitical issues, including South Africa’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war and trade policies.

The DA warned that further deterioration in relations could negatively impact South Africa’s economy, given the US’s role in trade and investment.

According to The Citizen, Powell called for urgent government intervention, urging the Presidency to send a GNU delegation to stabilise diplomatic relations with the US.

She also defended the party’s recent visit to the US, saying that it was in South Africa’s best interest.

This followed criticism from the South African Communist Party (SACP) member Dr Reneva Fourie, who accused the DA, Solidarity, and AfriForum of seeking regime change.

“As the second-largest party in South Africa’s government of national unity (GNU), the DA remains a steadfast and credible advocate for South Africa’s national interests on the international stage,” she said, as per the report.

Powell said that during their visit, DA representatives engaged with key US decision-makers, aiming to provide accurate insights into South Africa’s political and economic challenges.

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