ICYMI | US in 11th-hour move to thwart SA’s G20 presidency

The United States has warned South Africa against issuing a G20 leaders' summit declaration without its participation, announcing a full boycott of the Pretoria-hosted event due to policy clashes and unsubstantiated claims by President Trump of white genocide and land confiscations in the country. In a diplomatic note, Washington opposed any consensus document under South Africa's presidency and urged allies not to endorse one, while Pretoria, supported by France, continues negotiations with attending members. South African ministers expressed defiance, stating the summit will proceed with either a full declaration or a Chair's Statement. This dispute highlights deepening G20 divisions, potentially complicating the U.S. handover of the presidency next year.