President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that South Africa will not receive an invitation to the 2026 G20 summit in Miami. The move follows Washington’s boycott of last week’s G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg. South Africa described the decision as “punitive.”
Trump said the U.S. was denied proper handover of the G20 Presidency at the Johannesburg summit. He accused South Africa of weaponising its G20 leadership and claimed the US Embassy was not given access to the official instruments.
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office rejected Trump’s claims, saying the handover was completed at the headquarters of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation. Officials called Trump’s post “regrettable” and said it misrepresented the country.
Trump has repeatedly criticised South Africa, alleging persecution of the white minority and claims of “white genocide,” which have been widely discredited. His administration has also cut financial aid to South Africa, citing land policies and its ICJ case against Israel.
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The dispute highlights escalating tensions between Washington and Pretoria. Both sides continue to trade accusations, with South Africa calling the U.S. measures unfair and based on misinformation.