US Threatens South Africa Ahead of G20 Summit: Declaration in Doubt

Pretoria faces diplomatic pushback as Washington boycotts Johannesburg summit

In an unprecedented diplomatic move, the United States has warned South Africa against issuing a G20 summit declaration without its participation, throwing Pretoria’s presidency into a tense and unexpected spotlight.

A diplomatic note, dated 15 November and seen by the Sunday Times, explicitly states that Washington will not recognize any G20 consensus document unless the US agrees to it. The note comes as South Africa prepares to host the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Social Summit in Africa, scheduled for 22–23 November at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

US Boycott and the Diplomatic Bombshell

The US will not attend the summit in any capacity, with no delegation at either the sherpa meetings (16–19 November) or the leaders’ summit itself. According to the note, Pretoria’s priorities run counter to US policy, meaning Washington cannot support any declaration negotiated under South Africa’s presidency.

“If a deliverable is issued under your presidency, it will be framed solely as a chair’s statement to accurately reflect the absence of consensus,” the note reads.

Adding fuel to the fire, former US President Donald Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, claiming the G20 in South Africa is a “total disgrace.” Trump alleged white genocide against Afrikaners and illegal farm seizures, promising that no US official would attend until these “human rights abuses” stop.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the sentiment on X, reinforcing Trump’s position and applauding the boycott.

Global Reaction and Pretoria’s Response

The news reportedly surprised South African officials, as Argentina’s President Javier Milei also confirmed he would not attend. Meanwhile, Mexico and Russia had previously indicated absence. Pretoria had been coordinating with US Vice President JD Vance, expected to lead the US delegation, but the sudden withdrawal disrupted plans.

Despite the diplomatic pressure, South Africa’s government has adopted a firm stance. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola held a media briefing on Monday, criticising the US position but affirming that the boycott would not derail the summit.

Lamola explained that negotiations on a leaders’ declaration are ongoing with present member countries. “We are forging ahead with the countries that are present. The institution cannot be brought down by anyone,” he said.

Godongwana added that if consensus cannot be reached due to the US absence, South Africa can issue a chairperson’s statement. While slightly less authoritative than a full declaration, it still achieves the same goal showcasing the host country’s agenda.

South Africa’s Position: Standing Firm

Pretoria has also made clear that it will not travel to the US to hand over the G20 presidency. Lamola stated, “Should the US fail to show up for the handover, we will issue the declaration, and the US will decide how they want to continue next year.”

The government emphasized that other G20 members understand the importance of Africa’s development agenda, noting that key proposals have already been taken to the United Nations.

Social media in South Africa is buzzing, with reactions ranging from national pride at hosting the continent’s first G20 summit to concern over US intimidation tactics. Political analysts have described the US note as an attempt to undermine South Africa’s influence on the global stage, but most agree that the host nation retains agency over the summit’s proceedings.

Declaration or Chair’s Statement?

Officials stress that either a leaders’ declaration or chairperson’s statement will emerge from the summit. Godongwana explained:

“The chair’s statement does not mean the South African agenda has failed. The content comes from us as host, and it cannot be contested. In that sense, there will be a declaration or a chair’s statement one way or another.”

South Africa enters the summit determined to maintain its diplomatic credibility and showcase Africa’s role in global governance, even in the face of US resistance.

{Source: Business Day}

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