The United States has reopened discussions about participating in the G20 summit in Johannesburg after initially deciding to boycott it. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the change but said exact details were still being negotiated. President Trump’s attendance is not confirmed.
The dispute began when Trump accused South Africa of racially targeting white Afrikaners and white farmers. South African officials called the allegations false and politically motivated. They insisted that the summit would go on as planned.
Ramaphosa, speaking with European leaders, described the US move as encouraging. He argued that boycotts do not advance global solutions and often deepen divides. With the summit approaching, organizers now face the challenge of accommodating a late US interest.
A diplomatic note circulated earlier showed Washington demanding that no final G20 statement be issued without its consent. South Africa strongly objected, saying such tactics undermine the G20’s multilateral foundation. Officials said consensus cannot be conditional on the participation of one country.
Ramaphosa insisted that South Africa’s G20 agenda reflects the needs of developing countries, particularly around energy transition and debt relief. He urged dialogue over division as the summit prepares to open.