Ebrahim Rasool, the South African ambassador expelled by the Trump administration, was welcomed back with enthusiasm by supporters at Cape Town International Airport. Hundreds greeted him, demonstrating national pride as he addressed the crowd. Rasool expressed that being declared persona non grata was a humiliation, but he would wear it as a badge of dignity. He also highlighted the need to mend South Africa’s relationship with the U.S., which was strained by accusations of anti-American sentiment and funding cuts issued by Trump. The situation reflects broader diplomatic tensions between the nations and Rasool's commitment to engagement despite controversy.
A declaration of persona non grata is meant to humiliate you, Rasool told the supporters but when you return to crowds like this, I will wear my persona non grata as a badge of dignity.
It is important for South Africa to fix its relationship with the U.S. after President Trump punished the country and accused it of taking an anti-American stance.
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