In a historic first, the Group of 20 (G20) summit is being held in Africa, with world leaders gathering in Johannesburg to address pressing global issues. However, the event has been overshadowed by a significant rift between host South Africa and the United States, following President Donald Trump’s decision to boycott the summit. Trump’s administration labeled South Africa’s hosting as a ‘disgrace,’ citing unfounded claims of persecution against the white Afrikaner minority in the majority-Black nation. This boycott by the world’s largest economy threatens to undermine the summit’s agenda, which focuses on critical issues such as climate change, debt burdens in poor countries, and global inequality. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed not to be bullied, emphasizing the importance of the summit for developing nations. Despite the absence of the U.S., other global leaders, including representatives from the European Union, China, and Russia, are actively participating, seeking to forge new partnerships and address shared challenges. The summit also highlights China’s growing influence in Africa, as Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed a $1.4 billion railway refurbishment deal in Zambia, further cementing China’s economic presence on the continent. Analysts suggest that the U.S. boycott may push developing countries to strengthen ties with other global powers, potentially reshaping international governance.
Leaders arrive for a first African G20 summit overshadowed by a rift between the host and the US
