The White House denied that the United States had lifted its diplomatic boycott of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, saying no US official will take part in formal talks and that the ambassador will attend only for a ceremonial handover. President Cyril Ramaphosa described an apparent U-turn as a "positive sign," but the US embassy in Pretoria said South Africa's G20 priorities conflict with US policy. The dispute unfolds amid broader tensions, including tariffs, an expelled ambassador, and disputed claims about violence against white farmers.
US Denies Reversing G20 Boycott; Washington Says No Official Participation in Johannesburg Summit
The White House denied that the United States had lifted its diplomatic boycott of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, saying no US official will take part in formal talks and that the ambassador will attend only for a ceremonial handover. President Cyril Ramaphosa described an apparent U-turn as a "positive sign," but the US embassy in Pretoria said South Africa's G20 priorities conflict with US policy. The dispute unfolds amid broader tensions, including tariffs, an expelled ambassador, and disputed claims about violence against white farmers.
06:09 AM, 11/21/2025Politics
The White House on Thursday firmly rejected South Africa's claim that the United States had backtracked on a diplomatic boycott of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, saying no US official would participate in formal negotiations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier described what he called an eleventh-hour change of heart by the Trump administration after Washington repeatedly criticised South Africa over its treatment of white minority farmers. Ramaphosa called the apparent reversal "a positive sign," arguing that the United States, as the world's largest economy, belongs at the table.
"The United States is not participating in official talks at the G20 in South Africa," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, adding that the US ambassador would only attend a ceremonial handover because the next G20 summit will be hosted by the United States in Florida.
Despite Ramaphosa's comments, the US embassy in Pretoria had issued a weekend notice saying it would not endorse consensus on documents negotiated under South Africa's presidency, arguing that the country's G20 priorities "run counter to the US policy views." Those priorities include improving debt sustainability for low-income countries, financing a "just energy transition," and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Diplomatic Tensions and Broader Context
The dispute is part of a wider rift between the United States and South Africa since President Trump returned to office. Trump has publicly amplified far-right claims — widely debunked — that white Afrikaners are being systematically targeted in South Africa. His administration also expelled South Africa's ambassador after the envoy accused Trump of racism and imposed a 30% tariff on South African goods, the highest in sub-Saharan Africa.
Under Trump, the United States has also stayed away from other major international gatherings, including the COP30 climate talks in Brazil, as his administration emphasises fossil fuels and disputes mainstream climate science.
Business Outreach Continues
While Washington maintains a diplomatic boycott of official G20 talks, American business presence in Johannesburg remained strong. A separate Business 20 (B20) event concluded with participation from US firms and leaders. Suzanne Clark, president of the US Chamber of Commerce, praised South Africa's role in fostering collaboration among G20 nations and said the chamber would use its B20 leadership to promote international cooperation.
The South African embassy in Washington notes that more than 600 US companies operate in South Africa, underscoring substantial commercial ties despite rising political tensions.