South Africa 'takes a break' from G20 due to tensions with the US

(CLO) South Africa said it will "temporarily suspend participation" in G20 activities while the US assumes the role of chair.

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said on Thursday that Pretoria would not bow to US pressure to change its race policy, after Washington confirmed South Africa would be excluded from G20 meetings during the US presidency.

Panorama of the G20 Summit in South Africa 2025. Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office

The announcement comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement on Wednesday accusing the South African government of "racism" against white citizens.

Mr Rubio said South Africa would not be invited to any G20 meetings during the US presidency next year.

In response, Mr. Lamola posted a letter emphasizing: “Dear Secretary Rubio, the world is watching. People are growing tired of double standards. We do not need your approval to decide our path.”

It was one of South Africa's strongest responses yet to a wave of US criticism this year, although Mr Lamola stressed he remained open to dialogue.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, responded to Rubio's earlier statement on social media that South Africa would take a break from the G20 while the US was in power: "By this time next year, the UK will be taking over the G20 presidency. South Africa will then be able to engage fully and substantively on issues that matter to the world."

Relations between the US and South Africa have hit a low in recent months as President Donald Trump has repeatedly made claims of "white genocide" in South Africa, without providing specific evidence.

Whites make up just 7% of South Africa's population, according to official figures, but still hold the bulk of the land and wealth three decades after apartheid, a system of clear racial segregation ruled by a white minority, ended.

The South African government recently passed a law this year that allows the state to requisition land from the general public in certain circumstances.

Source: https://congluan.vn/nam-phi-tam-nghi-g20-do-cang-thang-voi-my-10321418.html