South African Opposition Urges Resilience Amid US Diplomatic Tensions

South Africa’s opposition parties are urging President Ramaphosa to not be intimidated by the US following the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. The incident, exacerbated by tensions since the Trump administration, has heightened calls for direct communication to resolve diplomatic conflicts and urged for reforms in foreign policy representation.

Opposition factions in South Africa have urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to resist pressure from the United States following the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. The US government mandated Rasool to leave within 72 hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled him a “race-baiting politician who hates America.” This incident has heightened tensions between the two nations since the Trump administration took office, with relations notably deteriorating.

Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola emphasized that resorting to “Twitter diplomacy” is unproductive, advocating for direct communication instead. Conversely, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, sharply criticized the US, asserting that South Africa should not be intimidated by the American leadership. APA Pooe, Secretary General of the Pan Africanist Congress, condemned the action as an affront to South Africa’s sovereignty, reiterating that the country does not operate under US influence.

President Trump has previously expressed strong disapproval of South Africa’s land reforms, which permit governmental expropriation of land without compensation. Recently, he also reduced aid to South Africa, alleging discrimination against the white Afrikaner demographic. Contrary to these claims, the South African government has denied any such discrimination.

Rasool, who served as US Ambassador from 2010 to 2015, returned to this role in 2024 utilizing his expansive connections in Washington. Nevertheless, he has faced obstacles in securing meetings with Trump, attributed to his history of advocating pro-Palestinian politics. An anonymous South African diplomat expressed skepticism about Rasool’s efficacy in the current political environment.

Additionally, the Democratic Alliance (DA), a constituent in the government of national unity, expressed concern over the African National Congress (ANC)’s unilateral control over foreign diplomatic appointments. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp stressed the importance of including members from the GNU in discussions with Washington to alleviate escalating tensions.

The recent expulsion of South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool by the United States has sparked significant outrage among opposition parties in South Africa, who are urging the government to stand firm against perceived US bullying. The ongoing tensions between the two countries have been exacerbated by President Trump’s critical stance on South Africa’s domestic policies. Moving forward, direct communication is viewed as vital in easing diplomatic strains, while many South Africans demand a more inclusive foreign policy approach.

Original Source: www.bbc.com