South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphatically declared his nation’s commitment to full participation in G20 affairs, notwithstanding escalating diplomatic tensions with the United States. The announcement came during a national address following Johannesburg’s hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which notably proceeded without American representation.
President Ramaphosa underscored South Africa’s foundational role within the G20 framework, asserting the nation’s inherent right to participation. “We must make it clear that South Africa is one of the founding members of the G20 and therefore a member in its own name and right,” stated Ramaphosa. “We will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member.”
The diplomatic strain emerged after US President Donald Trump announced intentions to exclude South Africa from next year’s G20 meetings, citing alleged human rights concerns. Trump had previously boycotted the Johannesburg summit based on claims of “white genocide” in South Africa—assertions that Ramaphosa vehemently denounced as “blatant misinformation” and “baseless and false allegations.”
Despite these tensions, Ramaphosa confirmed the formal transition of G20 presidency to the United States this week, emphasizing South Africa’s continued valuation of bilateral relations with Washington. The African leader expressed regret over the US absence from the recent summit, characterizing the situation as rooted in misinformation while reaffirming commitment to diplomatic dialogue.
The United States is scheduled to formally assume G20 leadership on December 1, setting the stage for potentially complex multilateral negotiations amid ongoing bilateral disagreements.