South Africa Initiates G20 Discussions Amid US Boycott

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has opened discussions with G20 foreign ministers, amid notable absenteeism from key US officials, highlighting a tense diplomatic climate.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa urged G20 foreign ministers in Johannesburg to commit to multilateralism and international law as essential for resolving global challenges. This comes as the US experiences growing tensions with South Africa, primarily stemming from the Trump administration’s "America First" agenda. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is notably boycotting the talks, emphasizing that he will not "coddle anti-Americanism." Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s absence is attributed to prior commitments.

South Africa, the first African nation to preside over the G20, aims to represent the interests of developing countries amid discussions including major powers like China, Russia, and France. Despite US nonparticipation, Ramaphosa highlighted the increased risk to global stability from rising conflicts, intolerance, and climate breakdown, calling for a collective response based on shared principles.

Since Donald Trump's presidency began, relations with South Africa have deteriorated, exemplified by cuts in US aid alleged to target the Afrikaner community and a controversial genocide case against Israel. Rubio criticized South Africa for using the G20 platform to push agendas on diversity and climate action, asserting that his focus remains on advancing American interests without endorsing anti-American sentiment.

As South Africa leads the G20 until November 2025, the ability to foster meaningful dialogue with all participants, including the US, remains uncertain amid these escalating tensions.