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The United States, having assumed the G20 presidency, has officially barred South Africa from participating in upcoming events, including a summit in Miami.
This move escalates a months-long standoff and follows US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s criticism that South Africa’s previous G20 tenure promoted “radical agendas” and that its policies were problematic.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa firmly responded that the nation is a “fully-fledged member” of the G20 and expects to be treated as an “equal, sovereign country.”
A presidential spokesman stated that South Africa had anticipated the exclusion and would effectively “take a commercial break” from the forum until the UK assumes the presidency next year.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola defended South Africa’s domestic policies, rejecting the US claims and insisting on a “respectful partnership.”
