Ramaphosa Claims US Reconsidering G20 in South Africa; White House Denies & Cites "Fake News" on Summit Participation

US G20 Participation: Ramaphosa Claims Reconsideration, White House Cries "Fake News"

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ignited a diplomatic stir by announcing that the United States was reportedly rethinking its G20 summit boycott and might attend the upcoming gathering in Johannesburg. This claim, however, was swiftly and unequivocally refuted by the White House, which labeled the report as "fake news."

Ramaphosa's Announcement: A Potential Shift?

Speaking at a joint press conference on Thursday, November 20, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, Ramaphosa stated, "We have received notice from the United States, a notice which we are still in discussions with them over, about a change of mind, about participating in one shape or form or other in the summit." He further elaborated that these late-stage discussions, just days before the November 22-23 summit, were crucial to determine the practicality and true extent of their potential involvement.

Historical Context: Trump-Era Boycott

Historically, the US, under former President Donald Trump's administration, had declared its intention to skip the first G20 summit hosted on African soil. This decision was rooted in allegations that South Africa, which ended its white-minority apartheid system in 1994, practices discrimination against white people.

White House Counter: "Fake News" and Formalities Only

Despite Ramaphosa's hopeful declaration, a White House official clarified the US stance. While acknowledging that an envoy—specifically the chargé d'affaires in Pretoria—would attend a ceremonial handover of the G20 presidency from South Africa to the US, the official stressed that "there was no question of Washington participating" in the broader summit discussions. The official reiterated, "This is fake news," confirming the chargé d'affaires' presence was merely a formal gesture.

South African Pushback: No Handover to Lower Ranks

This clarification, however, created further friction with the South African presidency. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya countered, stating that "the president will not hand over to a chargé d'affaires," implying an expectation for a higher-ranking US representative for such a significant international transfer of power.

Agenda Disagreement and the "Empty Chair"

The diplomatic disagreement also extends to the G20's thematic agenda. Trump's administration had previously rejected South Africa's proposed focus for the summit, which aimed to foster solidarity, assist developing nations in coping with severe weather disasters, facilitate a transition to clean energy, and alleviate excessive national debt burdens. Ramaphosa had previously voiced his frustration over the impending US presidency handover, lamenting last week, "I don't want to hand over to an empty chair, but the empty chair will be there." This statement encapsulates the ongoing diplomatic tension surrounding the US's engagement, or perceived lack thereof, with this vital global forum.