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US Secretary of State Skips South Africa G20 Over Land Expropriation Law
Tensions between South Africa and the United States have escalated after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he would not attend the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg. His decision follows criticism from President Donald Trump over South Africa’s recently enacted land expropriation law.
Rubio’s Reason for Skipping the G20 Summit
Rubio, who was appointed as Secretary of State under Trump’s second administration, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that his refusal to attend was partly due to South Africa’s land policy.
“South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote ‘solidarity, equality, & sustainability.’ In other words: DEI and climate change,” Rubio wrote.
It is rare for a US Secretary of State to skip a G20 summit, as these meetings shape global economic and diplomatic policies. Rubio’s absence raises concerns that the US may be sidelined in key discussions with world leaders.
Trump Threatens to Cut Aid to South Africa
Rubio’s decision comes just days after Trump declared that the US would cut all financial aid to South Africa over its land expropriation policy.
Over the past two decades, the US has provided over $8 billion in bilateral assistance to South Africa, including funding for healthcare, trade, and economic development.
What Does the New Land Expropriation Law Say?
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a controversial land expropriation bill into law. The legislation allows the South African government to seize property in the public interest, provided the owner receives “just and equitable” compensation.
However, in certain cases, compensation may be zero, particularly if:
- The land is abandoned or not being used.
- The owner acquired it for speculation without development plans.
The law is intended to redress historical injustices, as Black South Africans were largely prohibited from owning land during Apartheid.
Also Read: SA Minister Dean Macpherson Dismisses Trump’s Land Confiscation Claims
Criticism and Market Reactions
The law has drawn intense criticism, particularly from right-wing figures in the US. Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire and Trump ally, has spread conspiracy theories about a so-called “genocide” against White farmers, despite no verified evidence supporting these claims.
The backlash has also impacted South Africa’s currency, as concerns over the political and economic fallout prompted a sell-off of the rand.
South Africa Responds: Law Is No Different from US Policies
In response to US criticism, Ramaphosa’s administration defended the law, stating that it is similar to eminent domain laws in the US and the UK.
South Africa’s foreign minister emphasized that:
- No land has been confiscated.
- The law does not target any racial group.
- It aligns with global best practices in land reform.
Ramaphosa reassured investors that land reform would be carried out responsibly and would not destabilize the economy.
What’s Next for US-South Africa Relations?
The US-South Africa relationship is under strain, with Trump’s administration adopting a more confrontational approach toward Pretoria.
Possible consequences of Rubio’s decision include:
- Diplomatic Tensions: South Africa may look to strengthen ties with China, Russia, and BRICS nations as US relations cool.
- Economic Uncertainty: The rand’s volatility could continue amid fears of investor uncertainty over the land law.
- Trade Implications: If Trump follows through on his threat to cut financial aid, South African businesses relying on US partnerships may feel the impact.
Rubio’s decision to skip the G20 summit is a major diplomatic snub that highlights growing US-South Africa tensions over land reform. While South Africa insists its policy is fair and necessary, the US remains unconvinced—raising questions about the future of trade and political relations between the two countries.
South Africa Rejects Trump’s Land Confiscation Claims, Defends Land Reform Policy
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