Ebrahim Rasool returns home after US expulsion

South African Ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, returned to Cape Town on Sunday to a warm reception. He had been expelled from the US after criticizing President Donald Trump. Upon his arrival, crowds of supporters greeted him at Cape Town International Airport, singing songs and showing their support. Rasool was declared persona non grata by the Trump administration. This followed his comments about Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement, which he described as reflecting a "supremacist instinct." His remarks were made during a webinar organized by a South African think tank. He explained that while being declared persona non grata aimed to humiliate him, the welcoming crowd made him feel dignified. Rasool emphasized that returning to South Africa was not their choice, but they did so without regrets. He received the order to leave the US by Friday. In recent weeks, tensions have risen between South Africa and the US. The US cut funding to South Africa, accusing the government of supporting Hamas and Iran. Trump has also claimed that South Africa engages in anti-white policies, although he did not provide specific evidence. Rasool stated the importance of maintaining good relations with the US, emphasizing that South Africa is not anti-American. He affirmed that the country would continue its legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, alleging genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Rasool is set to report to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday.