US Reverses Boycott, Aims to Join G20 Summit in South Africa

The United States has signaled a shift in its position, expressing a desire to participate in the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) summit in South Africa, according to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This development marks a reversal of the US government’s earlier decision to boycott the event. Ramaphosa announced this news on Thursday, stating that communication from the US arrived at “the 11th hour” and that logistics were being arranged to accommodate American participation.

During a press briefing following a meeting with senior officials from the European Union, Ramaphosa confirmed that the US, an original member of the G20, has the right to attend the summit. He emphasized, “All we are seeking to do is looking at the practicalities … for them to participate.” The G20 summit is set to commence on September 23, 2023, in Johannesburg.

The background to this sudden change lies in the previous announcement by US President Donald Trump, who declared a boycott of the two-day meeting. Trump cited allegations that Ramaphosa’s government was persecuting the white minority in South Africa as the reason for the boycott. Prior to this, Trump had indicated that Vice President JD Vance would represent the US at the summit.

Despite the initial boycott, Ramaphosa remained optimistic about the US’s involvement, stating he hoped the American seat would be filled when the summit opens. He noted that communications from the US had been received while he was engaged in discussions with EU officials.

The South African president also addressed the controversy surrounding the summit’s planned joint declaration. He revealed that the US government had advised South Africa against adopting any declaration due to its absence, suggesting that consensus would be unattainable without American representation. Instead, the US proposed a more subdued statement to conclude the summit, which is the result of over 120 meetings led by South Africa during its G20 presidency this year.

Ramaphosa’s remarks come after a period of heightened scrutiny of South Africa by Trump, who has repeatedly criticized the nation for its policies towards the Afrikaner minority. Tensions came to a head during a meeting at the White House in May, where Trump confronted Ramaphosa with unfounded claims of violence against white South Africans.

As the G20 presidency transitions to the US following this summit, Ramaphosa mentioned he would need to pass the presidency to Trump’s “empty chair” if the boycott had continued. The G20 includes 19 nations along with the European Union and African Union, making it a significant forum for both developed and developing economies.

South Africa’s leadership hopes to utilize the summit to address pressing issues affecting poorer nations, including climate change, debt relief, and global wealth inequality. However, the US has previously dismissed these priorities, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio having skipped a G20 foreign ministers meeting in February, criticizing the agenda as focused on diversity and climate initiatives.

While some leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, have opted to send delegations instead of attending the summit, the US’s absence has raised questions about its commitment to global cooperation. As the summit approaches, the conversation around its goals and outcomes continues to evolve, with the potential for significant implications for international relations and economic policy.

Xolisa Mabhongo, South Africa’s ambassador to the G20, commented on the situation, stating, “The only country that is not in the room is the United States, and, of course, is their choice not to be in the room.” This remark underscores the complexities surrounding the G20 summit as it seeks to foster dialogue and collaboration among a diverse group of nations.