Trump Calls for South Africa’s Removal from the G20 Ahead of World Summit
The relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has deteriorated significantly in recent months. With the G20 summit approaching in Johannesburg, Trump has openly stated that he believes South Africa should no longer be part of this influential group.
– Trump’s Critique: At a recent conference in Miami, Trump voiced strong disapproval, stating, South Africa shouldn’t even be in the Gs anymore because what’s happened there is bad. He plans to send Vice-President JD Vance in his place to the summit.
– South Africa’s Response: Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya reassured the public of their confidence in successfully hosting the summit, which gathers leaders from the world’s largest economies. The South African government has refrained from issuing a strong statement against Trump’s claims but pushed back on U.S. decisions to prioritize refugee applications from white South Africans, citing that allegations of a genocide are unfounded.
– G20 Overview: Established in 1999 following the Asian financial crisis, the G20 aims to promote global economic stability. Its inaugural leaders’ summit was held in 2008 during another financial upheaval. Membership includes over 85% of the world’s wealth, with various countries hosting it annually.
– Exclusion from G20: There’s no established process for expelling a member from the G20 since it operates informally. Dr. Andrew Gawthorpe, a senior analyst at the Foreign Policy Centre, noted that an exclusion would require broad consensus among member states.
– Historical Context: While Russia was expelled from the G8 after Crimea’s annexation in 2014, it remains in the G20, highlighting the complexity of international relations within the group. Calls to expel Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 also failed due to lack of consensus among member nations.
– A Vision for the Future: South Africa’s G20 presidency theme this year is centered around solidarity, equality, and sustainability. Chrispin Phiri, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry, highlighted South Africa’s unique position to advocate for genuine solidarity among nations.
As tensions rise over Trump’s remarks, South Africa continues to navigate its international relations and aims to demonstrate its capability on the world stage. The upcoming summit will be a crucial moment not just for economic discussions, but also for reaffirming the country’s commitment to tackling inequality and promoting sustainable practices.