The United States has removed South Africa’s ambassador, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio labelling the envoy a “race-baiting politician” who holds negative views about President Donald Trump.
Tensions between the two nations have escalated following Trump’s decision to scale back U.S. financial aid to South Africa.
The move was reportedly driven by concerns over South Africa’s land reform policies and its legal action against Israel, a close U.S. ally, at the International Court of Justice.
“South Africa’s ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country,” Rubio announced in a post on X on Friday.
In response, South Africa’s government called the expulsion unfortunate but emphasised its dedication to maintaining constructive diplomatic relations.
Statements from the presidency and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation indicated that South Africa intends to address the matter through formal diplomatic channels.
