The Group of 20 (G20) nations are set to issue a joint declaration at the conclusion of their summit in Johannesburg this weekend, despite objections from the United States, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday. Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa, as the host nation, will not succumb to pressure from the Trump administration to dilute the summit’s outcomes. The U.S. has boycotted the two-day meeting, citing unfounded claims by President Donald Trump that South Africa’s government is violently persecuting its white minority. A South African G20 ambassador revealed that the U.S. had advised against adopting any declaration, arguing that the absence of the U.S. would undermine consensus. Instead, the U.S. proposed a less formal statement from South Africa to conclude the summit. Ramaphosa, however, reaffirmed his commitment to a joint declaration, stating that discussions were progressing smoothly and that the summit would not be derailed by external pressures. The G20, comprising 19 nations, the European Union, and the African Union, is focused on addressing global challenges such as climate change, debt relief for developing nations, and wealth inequality. South Africa, the first African nation to hold the G20 presidency, aims to advance these priorities despite criticism from U.S. officials. Other leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, have also opted to skip the summit but have sent delegations. Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the summit’s success and reiterated that South Africa would not be bullied into altering its stance.
South Africa president says G20 will make declaration despite US warning and ‘will not be bullied’
