Tensions are mounting ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg as South Africa is pushing back against what it describes as a covert attempt by the United States to derail the summit’s outcome.
According to a report by South African paper Sunday Times, the US government allegedly sent a formal diplomatic note to Pretoria warning that no G20 declaration should be issued in its absence.
The letter, dated 15 November, stated that the US “opposed issuance of any G20 summit outcome document under the premise of a consensus G20 position, without US agreement,” and insisted that any deliverable be framed solely as a “Chair’s Statement.”
President Donald Trump’s administration has opted to boycott the summit entirely, declining to send a delegation to ministerial meetings or the Leaders’ Summit scheduled for 22-23 November.
The note asserted that South Africa’s G20 priorities “run counter to US policy views,” and that Washington cannot support consensus on any documents negotiated under Pretoria’s presidency.
South African officials have rejected the ultimatum.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that the summit would proceed as planned and that negotiations toward a final declaration are continuing among participating nations.
“The US can’t boycott a meeting and dictate its outcomes,” Magwenya told the Sunday Times.
“We are working towards a declaration formed from the consensus that will be reached by countries who are here and fully participating.”
The diplomatic note is widely seen as a last-ditch effort by Washington to undermine South Africa’s G20 presidency, which began in December 2024.
Sources close to the issue say the US has also attempted to pressure allies into withholding support for a leaders’ declaration.
Despite the pressure, South Africa has received backing from key G20 members, including France.
Under G20 protocol, declarations are typically adopted by consensus.
The standoff comes at a critical moment for South Africa, which has used its G20 presidency to champion the interests of developing nations, advocate for reforms to global financial governance and push for greater investment in sustainable development.
The summit is expected to draw leaders and representatives from 42 countries, including 20 G20 members (excluding the US), 16 guest nations and six regional blocs.
JN/APA