Ebrahim Rasool Returns to South Africa with No Regrets Following Expulsion
Ebrahim Rasool, the expelled South African ambassador to the US, returned home on March 23, 2025, after a 32-hour journey. He asserted he had “no regrets” about his criticism of U.S. leadership, despite being labeled “persona non grata.” Rasool emphasized the importance of Ubuntu philosophy in diplomacy and expressed hope for mending U.S.-South Africa relations without compromising values.
Ebrahim Rasool, the expelled South African ambassador to the United States, returned to Cape Town on March 23, 2025, after a prolonged journey. Upon arrival, he was greeted by hundreds of supporters who celebrated his homecoming with enthusiasm. Rasool stated he had returned with “no regrets” regarding his time in the U.S.
Rasool had previously been declared “persona non grata” by the United States due to remarks he made criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump during a webinar. He emphasized that the label intended to demean him instead became a point of pride following the warm reception he received upon returning.
At Cape Town International Airport, Rasool reflected on the significance of Ubuntu, a philosophy central to African culture, and transformed his expulsion into a matter of dignity. He articulated, “When you return to a crowd like this… then I will wear my persona non grata as a badge of dignity.” He also revealed how South African diplomacy ultimately resorted to what he termed the “diplomacy of Ubuntu.”
Rasool engaged with the idea that genuine diplomacy involves truthful discourse rather than flattery, asserting that South Africa should remain true to its values. While indicating a delay in diplomatic relations, he expressed hope that President Cyril Ramaphosa would find an envoy capable of strengthening ties with the U.S.
In defense against accusations of diplomacy failing, Rasool noted that his comments had reached key U.S. officials, including Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, demonstrating that his message was effectively communicated. The expulsion was publicly mentioned by Rubio, who labeled Rasool a “race-baiting politician who hates America.”
Rasool plans to furnish a comprehensive report of his experience to President Ramaphosa, who described the ambassador’s removal as a mere setback in South Africa’s relationship with the U.S., reaffirming ongoing commitments to engage effectively with Washington.
The return of Ebrahim Rasool, expelled South African ambassador to the U.S., highlights the complexities of diplomatic relations marked by his criticism of American leadership. His embrace of Ubuntu philosophy underscores a commitment to maintaining dignity while advocating for South African values in international discourse. The incident reveals the significance of impactful messaging in diplomacy, even amidst challenges. Furthermore, Rasool’s experience emphasizes the ongoing importance of engagement between South Africa and the United States, as expressed by President Ramaphosa. Such developments may guide future relations and highlight the necessity for respectful dialogue in international affairs.
Original Source: english.news.cn
