A diplomatic spat is brewing between South Africa and former US President Donald Trump, centered on South Africa’s role in the prestigious G20 group. Trump recently launched a series of “regrettable” remarks, questioning South Africa’s standing and threatening to exclude them from future summits and halt financial aid.
Trump claimed that a US representative was poorly treated at a recent G20 meeting hosted by South Africa. He further asserted that he chose not to send a full US delegation because of alleged violent persecution of white Afrikaners – a claim that has been widely debunked as untrue. Following this, Trump declared South Africa would be barred from the 2026 G20 summit in Miami and would lose all US payments, effective immediately.
South Africa, however, isn’t taking these accusations lightly. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office firmly stated that South Africa is a full G20 member “in its own name and right” and rejected Trump’s “insults” as based on misinformation. They clarified that the instruments of the G20 Presidency were properly handed over to a US Embassy official, and it was the United States that “elected not to attend” the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg out of its own choice. Despite this, South Africa noted the positive participation of US businesses and civil society in other G20-related activities.
Emphasizing their commitment to global cooperation, South Africa reiterated its role as a founding, active, and constructive member of the G20. They called on all G20 members to uphold the spirit of multilateralism and consensus, with all nations participating on equal footing. This heated exchange highlights the importance of accurate information and mutual respect in international relations.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/838872-g20-south-africa-pushes-back-against-trump.html
