The United States has officially cautioned South Africa regarding its potential involvement in a joint statement at the upcoming Group of Twenty (G20) summit scheduled to take place this weekend in Johannesburg. The warning comes amid ongoing tensions related to the summit’s diplomatic dynamics, particularly concerning the U.S. decision to boycott the event.
Sources familiar with the matter, including a document obtained by Bloomberg, indicate that the U.S. government expressed concerns over South Africa’s participation in a collective statement that could include references or positions contrary to American policies. The Trump administration’s decision to skip the summit has been interpreted as a diplomatic stance, potentially affecting discussions and joint declarations.
South Africa has not publicly confirmed whether it intends to push for a joint statement or what its stance will be at the summit. The G20 summit typically features leaders from the world’s major economies, aiming to address global issues such as economic growth, climate change, and international stability. The disagreement over participation could impact the summit’s outcomes and the nature of multilateral discussions this year.