G20 Summit in South Africa Opens Without U.S. Participation

The first Group of 20 summit in Africa commenced on March 9, 2024, in South Africa, focusing on critical issues impacting the world’s poorest nations. Leaders from major economies gathered at an exhibition center near Soweto, a historically significant township associated with Nelson Mandela, to discuss urgent priorities. Notably absent from the summit is the United States, following a boycott initiated by President Donald Trump.

South Africa, which holds the rotating presidency, has outlined an ambitious agenda aiming to enhance support for developing countries grappling with the effects of climate change. Key topics include reducing foreign debt burdens, transitioning to green energy, and leveraging critical mineral resources. These priorities, particularly the emphasis on climate change, have faced resistance from the U.S. government.

During a press briefing, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed hope for the G20 to prioritize the needs of developing nations, stating, “I think South Africa has done its part in putting those things clearly upon the table.” The summit is scheduled to last two days, with significant discussions anticipated despite the absence of the world’s largest economy.

The diplomatic rift between the U.S. and South Africa intensified in the lead-up to the summit. President Trump justified the boycott by alleging that South Africa is pursuing discriminatory policies against its Afrikaner white minority. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously declined to attend a G20 foreign ministers meeting, criticizing the agenda as overly focused on diversity, equity, and climate change.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed regret over the U.S. absence but emphasized the importance of collaboration among the remaining leaders, stating, “Our duty is to be present, engage and work all together because we have so many challenges.”

The G20, comprising 19 nations plus the European Union and the African Union, was established in 1999 to address global financial crises and foster cooperation between developed and developing nations. Collectively, G20 members represent approximately 85% of the global economy and more than half of the world’s population. However, achieving consensus among such diverse interests has proven challenging.

Guterres warned that wealthy nations often fail to make necessary concessions for effective climate action and global financial reform. Traditionally, G20 summits conclude with a leaders’ declaration outlining agreements reached. Yet, the potential for a unified declaration in Johannesburg appears uncertain. South Africa indicated that U.S. pressure influenced its stance on a leaders’ declaration, advocating instead for a statement limited to the host nation’s perspectives.

In response to these pressures, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated, “We will not be bullied,” assuring that a declaration from all present members would be produced by the summit’s conclusion. The upcoming shift in G20 leadership, with the U.S. set to assume the presidency from South Africa, raises concerns about future negotiations. Trump has indicated plans to host the next summit at his golf club in Doral, Florida, where he is expected to steer the agenda away from climate change issues.

The White House confirmed that the U.S. will play a minimal role during this summit, with a representative from the U.S. Embassy in South Africa attending solely for the formal handover ceremony. South African officials expressed displeasure over the arrangement, viewing it as an insult that Ramaphosa would transfer the presidency to what they consider a junior diplomatic official.

As the summit progresses, the focus remains on whether leaders can find common ground on pressing global issues, particularly in light of the significant absence of U.S. participation.