A Hero’s welcome in Cape Town

CAPE TOWN – Ebrahim Rasool, the South African ambassador expelled from the United States, was greeted by cheering crowds upon his arrival at Cape Town International Airport on March 23, 2025. Supporters waved South African flags and chanted slogans praising Rasool’s commitment to “Ubuntu diplomacy,” a philosophy emphasizing interconnectedness and human dignity. Rasool, visibly moved by the reception, addressed the crowd, stating he would “wear the U.S. sanction as a badge of dignity,” signaling his defiance and adherence to his diplomatic principles.

The expulsion stems from a series of public disagreements between rasool and several U.S. senators regarding U.S.foreign policy in Africa. Rasool,a staunch advocate for human rights and economic justice,openly criticized what he perceived as the U.S.’s transactional approach to diplomacy, favoring short-term gains over long-term stability and ethical considerations. his outspokenness, while lauded by some, drew sharp criticism from others, ultimately leading to his expulsion.

The Diplomacy of Ubuntu: A New Approach?

The concept of “Ubuntu diplomacy” has gained traction in recent years as an choice to traditional diplomatic practices. Rooted in the African philosophy of ubuntu, which emphasizes community, empathy, and shared humanity, this approach prioritizes honest interaction, consensus-building, and finding common ground rooted in shared values.Dr. Nomusa Zuma,a leading scholar on African political philosophy and international relations,explains that Ubuntu diplomacy “translates this into action by prioritizing honest interaction,building consensus,and seeking common ground rooted in shared values.”

Unlike conventional diplomacy, which often involves strategic ambiguity and prioritizing national interests above all else, Ubuntu diplomacy seeks solutions that benefit all parties involved. This approach resonates with many in the United States who are increasingly critical of what they see as a self-serving and often morally compromised foreign policy. such as, the U.S.’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, often criticized for its human rights record, is frequently cited as an example of realpolitik trumping ethical considerations.

However, the request of Ubuntu diplomacy is not without its challenges. Critics argue that it is naive to expect all nations to operate on a basis of shared values and mutual respect, particularly in a world characterized by power imbalances and competing interests. The U.S.’s own history is replete with examples of prioritizing national interests, even at the expense of international norms and ethical considerations. The invasion of Iraq in 2003, for instance, was widely condemned as a violation of international law, but was justified by the Bush management on the grounds of national security.

South Africa’s Next Steps

The South African government now faces the challenge of responding to Rasool’s expulsion. While the warm welcome Rasool received suggests strong domestic support for his stance, President Ramaphosa must also navigate the complexities of maintaining a working relationship with the United States, a crucial economic and strategic partner. Possible responses range from reciprocal action, such as expelling the U.S. ambassador to South Africa, to seeking diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation.

Some analysts suggest that South Africa could use this incident as an opportunity to advocate for a more equitable and ethical approach to international relations. By championing Ubuntu diplomacy on the global stage,South africa could position itself as a moral leader,attracting support from other nations who share its vision. This approach could resonate particularly strongly with countries in the Global South, who often feel marginalized by the dominant powers in the international system.

Rubio’s Response and the Fallout

Senator Marco Rubio, a vocal critic of Rasool, issued a statement praising the ambassador’s expulsion, stating that “the U.S. will not tolerate diplomats who use their positions to undermine American interests.” Rubio’s statement reflects a broader sentiment among some U.S. policymakers who view any criticism of U.S. foreign policy as an act of disloyalty. This viewpoint often clashes with the principles of free speech and open debate, which are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

The fallout from Rasool’s expulsion extends beyond U.S.-South Africa relations. it also raises questions about the role of diplomacy in a democratic society.Should diplomats be expected to blindly support their government’s policies, or should they be allowed to express their own views, even if they differ from those of their superiors? This is a question that has been debated for centuries, and there is no easy answer.

Looking Ahead: Ramaphosa’s Response

All eyes are now on President Ramaphosa to see how he will respond to this diplomatic crisis. His response will not only shape the future of U.S.-South Africa relations but also send a message to the world about South Africa’s commitment to its values and principles.A measured and strategic response could turn this potentially damaging incident into an opportunity to advance South Africa’s foreign policy goals and promote a more just and equitable world order.

Potential Counterarguments and criticisms

One potential counterargument to the embrace of Ubuntu diplomacy is that it may be seen as a sign of weakness by other nations. Some argue that in the cutthroat world of international relations, a nation must be willing to assert its interests forcefully, even if it means sacrificing ethical considerations. Though, proponents of ubuntu diplomacy argue that true strength lies not in military might or economic power, but in moral authority and the ability to build lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

Another criticism is that ubuntu diplomacy might potentially be arduous to implement in practice. It requires a willingness to listen to and understand the perspectives of others,even when those perspectives differ sharply from one’s own. It also requires a commitment to finding solutions that benefit all parties involved, which may not always be possible. Though, proponents of Ubuntu diplomacy argue that even if it is indeed not always possible to achieve perfect consensus, the effort to do so is valuable in itself.

The Broader Implications for U.S.-Africa Relations

The expulsion of Ambassador Rasool could have meaningful implications for U.S.-Africa relations. It could signal a shift away from the Obama-era emphasis on partnership and mutual respect, towards a more transactional approach that prioritizes U.S. interests above all else. This shift could alienate many African nations who are seeking to forge a more independent and self-reliant path.

However, it is also possible that this incident could serve as a wake-up call for both the U.S. and Africa. it could prompt a reassessment of the relationship and a renewed commitment to building a more equitable and mutually beneficial partnership. The key will be whether both sides are willing to engage in honest dialogue and address the underlying issues that have led to this crisis.

Ubuntu Diplomacy: Can Truth and Dignity Redefine International Relations?

To delve into this complex question, world Today News spoke with Dr. Nomusa Zuma, a leading scholar on African political philosophy and international relations, and an authority on the “diplomacy of Ubuntu.”