标签： Africa

The inaugural Group of 20 (G20) summit hosted in Africa commenced on Saturday in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a bold agenda aimed at addressing persistent challenges faced by the world’s poorest nations. Leaders and top officials from the world’s wealthiest and emerging economies gathered near Soweto, a historic township once home to Nelson Mandela, to seek consensus on key priorities outlined by the host country. These include aiding poor nations in recovering from climate-related disasters, reducing foreign debt burdens, transitioning to green energy, and leveraging critical mineral resources to combat global inequality. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging South Africa’s efforts in spotlighting these issues. However, the summit faced a significant setback as U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a boycott, citing claims of South Africa’s anti-white policies. This diplomatic rift threatened to overshadow the event, though leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need to move forward despite the absence. The G20, comprising 19 nations, the European Union, and the African Union, was established in 1999 to bridge the gap between rich and poor nations during global financial crises. Despite its influence—representing 85% of the global economy and over half the world’s population—the G20 operates on consensus, often hindered by conflicting member interests. Guterres warned that wealthy nations have historically failed to make necessary concessions for effective global reforms. The summit’s traditional leaders’ declaration faced uncertainty, with South Africa resisting U.S. pressure to issue a unilateral statement. President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed not to be intimidated, promising a collective declaration. As the U.S. prepares to assume the G20 presidency, the bloc’s focus on climate change and inequality may shift sharply under the Trump administration. The U.S. will only participate in the formal handover ceremony, a move South Africa deemed insulting.

In a significant policy shift, former President Donald Trump declared on Friday night that he is ‘immediately’ ending Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Somali migrants residing in Minnesota. This move is part of a broader effort to dismantle immigration protections that his administration has consistently targeted. Minnesota, home to the largest Somali community in the United States, has long been a refuge for individuals fleeing the prolonged civil war in Somalia, attracted by the state’s supportive social programs. However, the actual number of migrants affected by this decision may be minimal. A congressional report from August revealed that only 705 Somalis nationwide are currently covered by TPS. Established in 1990, the TPS program was designed to prevent the deportation of individuals to countries experiencing natural disasters, civil unrest, or other hazardous conditions. The Homeland Security Secretary has the authority to grant TPS in 18-month increments. Trump announced his decision on social media, alleging that Minnesota is ‘a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity’ and accusing Somali gangs of terrorizing the state. He vowed to send them back to their country of origin, stating, ‘It’s OVER!’ This announcement aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to deport millions of people and his administration’s broader agenda to implement stringent immigration policies. Previously, the Trump administration had revoked TPS for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans and Haitians, and sought to limit protections for migrants from Cuba, Syria, and other nations.

As South Africa assumed the presidency of the G20 last year, it aimed to leverage its position as the first African host to amplify the voices of developing nations. Key issues on the agenda included advocating for reduced borrowing costs for poorer countries, securing climate change financing, and enhancing African participation in global forums. However, the summit has been overshadowed by the absence of the United States, following President Donald Trump’s controversial decision not to attend, citing unfounded claims of white minority persecution in South Africa. This move has further strained US-South Africa relations, which have been tense over the past year due to diplomatic expulsions, aid cuts, and trade tariffs. Despite these challenges, South Africa has maintained a diplomatic stance, denying the allegations and proceeding with the summit. In a last-minute shift, the US announced it would send a small diplomatic team to the handover ceremony but would not participate in discussions. Experts, such as Professor Richard Calland from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, suggest that the US absence might create space for other nations to forge consensus and push for reforms. South African officials, including Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, have emphasized the country’s commitment to the G20 process, regardless of US participation. The summit also saw the absence of other leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, but their countries sent senior delegations. South Africa’s presidency aims to bridge the developmental divide between the global north and south, focusing on equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity. The summit’s success will be measured by its ability to issue a joint declaration, demonstrating that global consensus can be achieved even without the participation of the world’s most powerful nation.