Cape Town — The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says the process is underway to replace Ebrahim Rasool as South African Ambassador to the US.
Rasool was expelled by the USA after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and was declared “Persona Non-Grata” and a “race-baiting politician” following his remarks about President Donald Trump.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he would wait for Rasool’s full report once he returned from the USA.
Rasool was given a 72-hour deadlineto return to South Africa.
“He should still be in the country but his immunities will lapse in 72 hours so we would ensure he is back as soon as possible before those immunities lapse if he has to stay for other logistical reasons, we would negotiate that he is back,” Phiri said.
Phiri said Rasool was set to meet with very strategic officials of the White House before his expulsion and that means it is important for him to meet with Ramaphosa and Minister Lamola. While he is no longer welcome in the US but said it would not impact the relationship with the US.
“We still have an embassy in Washington, it is fully represented by South Africans whilst we undertake the process of sending a new ambassador to the United States,” he concluded.
WATCH BELOW:
International Relations and Cooperation Minister’s spokesperson Chrispin Phiri says processes to identify South Africa’s ambassador to the US as Ebrahim Rasool’s successor are underway. Phiri says Rasool will give a full briefing to Ramaphosa and DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola upon… pic.twitter.com/bCLQFUrwmq
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 17, 2025
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@PolyannaBrey
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
