标签： Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has labeled the United States’ decision to boycott the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg as “their loss.” The U.S. government’s absence from the November 22-23 meeting of global leaders was announced last week by President Donald Trump, who cited controversial and widely disputed claims about the persecution of South Africa’s white minority. Ramaphosa, speaking outside the South African Parliament on Wednesday, urged the U.S. to reconsider its stance, stating that boycott politics “doesn’t work” in his experience. He emphasized that the G20 summit would proceed as planned, with other heads of state in attendance, and that the U.S. absence would not hinder the event’s outcomes. Trump’s decision follows months of criticism directed at South Africa’s Black-led government, including its stance on Israel and allegations of anti-white racism. Ramaphosa also highlighted the U.S.’s role as the world’s largest economy, suggesting that its absence undermines its global influence. The G20, established in 1999, brings together major economies to address global economic and developmental challenges. The U.S. is set to assume the G20 presidency from South Africa at the end of the year. Trump’s claims about violence against Afrikaners have been echoed by conservative U.S. media figures and South African-born entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has accused the government of racism due to its affirmative action policies. Ramaphosa’s administration has dismissed these allegations as misinformation, while U.S.-South Africa relations have reached their lowest point since the end of apartheid in 1994.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly criticized the United States’ decision to boycott the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, labeling it as a significant loss for the US. The decision, announced by US President Donald Trump, stems from unsubstantiated claims of white persecution in South Africa. Ramaphosa, speaking outside parliament, emphasized that the US’s absence would not hinder the summit’s proceedings, stating, ‘Boycott politics doesn’t work.’ He further highlighted that the US is relinquishing its crucial role as the world’s largest economy by opting out of the event. The G20 summit, scheduled for November 22-23, has been marred by controversy following Trump’s social media post calling South Africa’s hosting a ‘total disgrace.’ Trump initially planned to send Vice-President JD Vance in his stead but later retracted, reiterating his unfounded allegations of human rights abuses against Afrikaners. South Africa has firmly denied these claims, asserting that there is no evidence supporting the notion of white genocide or land confiscation without compensation. The government has labeled these accusations as baseless and lacking credible support. As the summit approaches, Ramaphosa remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring its success, despite the US’s withdrawal.

A young Nigerian soldier, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, has become a symbol of courage and professionalism after a video of him standing his ground against Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike went viral. The incident occurred on Tuesday when Lt. Yerima, acting on orders from his superiors, prevented Minister Wike from accessing a disputed plot of land in Abuja. The video, which has garnered millions of views, shows Wike growing increasingly agitated as Lt. Yerima calmly refuses him entry, citing his orders. Social media users have widely praised the soldier’s composure, with many describing him as ‘brave’ and ‘courageous.’ Some have even shared his photo on their WhatsApp statuses as a mark of respect. The confrontation is particularly notable because Wike, a former governor of oil-rich Rivers State, is considered one of the most influential figures in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Known for his assertive demeanor, Wike rarely faces resistance from lower-ranking officials. In the video, Wike is heard insulting the soldier, saying, ‘You are a very big fool. At the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.’ Lt. Yerima responds calmly, stating, ‘I am not a fool, sir.’ The reason for the soldiers’ presence on the land remains unclear, and the Nigerian military has yet to comment on the incident. Wike later told journalists that he visited the site after officials from the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council reported being chased away by soldiers. He claimed the land falls under his jurisdiction and that his administration is investigating reports of illegal construction and land encroachment. ‘This is what prevents us from progressing,’ Wike said, adding that the soldiers failed to produce the documents he requested. The incident has sparked widespread discussion about accountability, professionalism, and the rule of law in Nigeria.