Expelled ambassador to US Ebrahim Rasool says he has no regrets

CAPE TOWN - Expelled ambassador to the United States (US), Ebrahim Rasool, who is due back in Cape Town on Sunday says he has no regrets about the dramatic turn of events. 

The former Western Cape premier was declared persona non grata by the US on Friday, after comments he made about the Trump administration in a dialogue, irked US secretary of state Marco Rubio. 

This was Rasool’s second posting as an ambassador to the United States.

But unlike the friendly relations he enjoyed during the Barack Obama administration, this short-lived stint of less than two months sees Rasool end his US stay with an order to leave by Friday. 

His diplomatic immunities and privileges in the US end on Monday, 17 March 2025.

In a text message sent to family and friends on Sunday, Rasool said he and his wife Rosieda were already packed and looking forward to returning home. 

“We bid farewell to the US with no regrets, it is what it is,” reads the message.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said rather than expend too much energy on what’s transpired, the focus should be on resetting the relationship with the US. 

“Ambassador Rasool is an experienced diplomat. I think he will have a moment to reflect on his experience, as well as the developments that have led to the current state of affairs.”

He said a process to compile a replacement shortlist was already underway by the Department of International Relations.

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