Govt should consider change in approach in determining Rasool's successor in US, says researcher

CAPE TOWN - As Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool prepares to leave the United States on Friday, the focus now shifts as to who will replace him.

Rasool was given his marching orders by the Trump administration last week after comments made during an African seminar were viewed as an affront to his government and Americans.

Senior researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs, Gustavo de Carvalho, said that given the tenuous situation, government should consider a change in approach in determining Rasool's successor.

A career politician, former Western Cape Premier and MP, Rasool was sent back to the US for a second stint as ambassador in December, having previously served during the Obama administration.

De Carvalho said that given that Rasool’s expulsion is about more than just his remarks, the president will need to think carefully about his next envoy.

"So an ambassador that is able to really have that experience of dealing with tricky, convoluted environments, where the negotiations, they may be about one issue, but the reasons behind that are another."

De Carvalho said rather than choose another politician, the Department of International Relations should consider someone within its own ranks.

"Someone that is able to navigate some of the racialisation that the United States has presented within its bilateral relations with South Africa in a way that is able to present well to South Africa's position, while at the same time being able to get access, to be able to get the ears of different constituencies in Washington."

The Presidency said Thursday that the process of replacing Rasool won't be rushed.