Experts criticise President Cyril Ramaphosa's handling of his government's foreign policy
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The expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa's former ambassador to the United States, has sparked intense debate regarding its foreign policy and increasingly strained relationship with the US.
Experts critically analysed the incident, highlighting the broader implications for South Africa's standing in global affairs.
Independent Political Analyst Professor Sipho Seepe argued that President Cyril Ramaphosa's approach to international relations resembles that of a “court jester” rather than a serious player on the world stage.
He claimed that Ramaphosa's actions were driven by a desperate need for validation from Western powers, ultimately undermining South Africa's credibility and influence.
“Ramaphosa has been pretending to be an influencer,” Seepe states, emphasising that the reality is stark; South Africa has minimal influence in international matters, leading to a foreign policy that is reactive rather than proactive.”
He said Rasool's expulsion clearly indicates the Trump administration's "no-nonsense" approach to diplomacy.
According to Seepe, this swift action underscores a broader trend of assertiveness from the United States, compelling South Africa to navigate its diplomatic engagements cautiously.
Political Analyst Dr. Sandile Swana echoed these sentiments, describing the expulsion as "swift and predictable."
He cautioned that South Africa must prepare for more diplomatic challenges.
“The expulsion comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions between South Africa and the United States, particularly following South Africa's actions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in November 2023.”
There, South Africa successfully petitioned the ICJ to review what many international organizations have termed “genocide” in Palestine, asserting that Israel's actions constitute violations of international law.
“This move was met with disapproval in Washington, leading to bipartisan proposals in early 2024 to reassess South Africa's involvement in international forums due to its stance against Israel.”
Swana noted that the ANC's actions at the ICJ laid the groundwork for Rasool's expulsion.
He explained that South Africa's growing alignment with nations like Ukraine and its strengthening ties with the European Union, Russia, and China have not gone unnoticed, placing the country at odds with US interests as the latter seeks to reorder international relations.
On South Africa’s foreign policy implications, Swana argued that the expulsion signals a significant shift in diplomatic relations, urging the ANC to accept accountability for its foreign policy missteps.
“The ANC's prioritisation of its party interests over national well-being has led to this diplomatic fallout,” he warned, suggesting that South Africa's current trajectory could alienate it from key international allies, mainly as it engages with nations like China and Russia.
He further stated that the political landscape in the US is increasingly divided, with public opinion swayed by right-wing ideologies advocating more rigid stances against perceived adversaries.
“Trump’s administration thrives on these tensions, and Rasool’s expulsion is likely the first of many actions targeting specific individuals within South Africa’s diplomatic corps,” he predicted.
He added that while immediate economic repercussions may not be evident, the long-term implications for American businesses operating in South Africa could be significant.
Swana warned that the days of free trade agreements without conditions are over; future negotiations will likely require South Africa to make concessions regarding its mineral resources, complicating trade dynamics.
As right-wing influence solidifies its hold over US public sentiment, he argued the ANC must navigate this complex terrain carefully, balancing internal pressures with the need for coherent international relations.
“South Africa must reassess its diplomatic strategies, particularly regarding ongoing processes at the ICJ and the International Criminal Court, which may shape future interactions with the US.”
However, he cautioned that South Africa must prepare for a more transactional relationship with the US, especially under a Trump administration likely to demand significant concessions.
IOL