The G20 summit in South Africa is underway with notable absences, particularly US President Donald Trump, whose boycott over false claims of white genocide has shifted focus from the host’s developmental agenda. South Africa continues to push for global consensus on issues like debt relief and climate financing, despite the US absence.
South Africa, as the first African nation to host the G20, assumed the presidency with ambitions to highlight pressing issues for developing countries. Key priorities include reducing the cost of borrowing for poorer nations, which pay significantly higher interest rates, and securing climate change financing to support sustainable development. The country has engaged in various working groups throughout the year to build consensus on these matters, aiming to bridge the developmental divide between the global north and south.
However, the summit’s discourse has been dominated by Trump’s very public decision not to attend. He cited widely discredited allegations of white genocide in South Africa, a claim that has strained bilateral relations. The US had previously expelled South Africa’s ambassador, cut aid, and imposed high tariffs, escalating tensions between the two nations. This boycott follows Trump’s initial plan to send Vice-President JD Vance, which was abruptly canceled two weeks ago.
In a sudden reversal, the US announced it would send a small team of in-country diplomats for the handover ceremony but not participate in discussions. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the US indicated a possible change of mind at the ’11th hour,’ as reported by outlets like the Times of India, but the US maintained its critical stance, firing sharp responses to South Africa’s positions. This last-minute shift added to the diplomatic friction.
South Africa has firmly denied the genocide claims and emphasized that the summit will proceed regardless. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana stated that as a G20 member, South Africa does not need an invitation and would only be excluded if denied visas, highlighting the country’s determination to participate in future meetings when the US takes over the presidency next year. Officials have maintained a defiant but diplomatic tone throughout the preparations.
Other world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, are also absent but have sent senior delegations, such as Premier Li Qiang for China. Unlike the US, these countries are engaging in the summit’s proceedings, with Argentina’s Javier Milei skipping in solidarity with Washington. South African officials downplayed these absences as normal in international diplomacy, focusing on the representatives present.
Analysts suggest that Trump’s absence might ironically facilitate consensus, as it removes the unpredictability of his involvement. Professor Richard Calland noted that middle powers could seize the opportunity to push for reforms, and South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola affirmed that countries present must make decisions without the US, aiming for a joint declaration on key issues like trade barriers and technological advancements.
The summit aims to produce a leaders’ declaration outlining agreements on trade, technology, and climate change. Support from other G20 members like France, the UK, and the EU, which recently signed a deal with South Africa on critical minerals, underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation. This event highlights the ongoing debate between bilateral and multilateral approaches to global challenges, with developing nations advocating for collective action on existential issues.
In conclusion, the outcome of the G20 summit will test whether consensus can be achieved without US participation, with South Africa’s presidency serving as a critical moment for developing nations to advocate for equity and sustainability on the global stage. If successful, it could demonstrate the resilience of multilateral institutions in addressing shared prosperity amid geopolitical divisions.
