G20 foreign ministers are convening in Johannesburg amid notable U.S. absence, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will not attend. This gathering, the first hosted by an African nation, faces challenges due to tensions from recent U.S. policies and criticisms of South Africa. Despite this, key diplomats from BRICS nations and Europe will participate, while South Africa aims to address issues like debt and climate challenges during discussions.
G20 Foreign Ministers Gather in Johannesburg Amid U.S. Absence
In a significant gathering, the foreign ministers of the G20 are convening in Johannesburg starting Thursday, navigating the tumultuous landscape shaped by recent U.S. policies. Notably, the meeting unfolds with minimal American representation, as Washington has opted not to send a high-ranking official.
As the first African nation to host the G20, South Africa faces the challenge of proceeding without this key participant during the preliminary summit ahead of the main event in November. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to attend, citing allegations of anti-Americanism directed at Pretoria. This meeting is set to commence at 2:00 PM local time (12:00 PM GMT).
Impact of U.S. Non-Participation on the Summit
The recent Munich conference, characterized by a strong anti-European speech from U.S. Vice President JD Vance and a separate U.S.-Russia dialogue in Riyadh regarding Ukraine, adds complexity to the two-day discussions in Johannesburg. This gathering presents another chance to assess the varying stances of participating nations amid the aggressive policies of the Trump administration.
According to Priyal Singh, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria, the absence of American officials will loom large over the discussions. He describes Marco Rubio’s non-attendance as a significant setback for South Africa. Additionally, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will miss the G20 finance ministers’ meeting in Cape Town due to commitments in Washington, further emphasizing the U.S. disengagement.
This situation sends a clear signal to African nations, as highlighted by William Gumede, a political science professor at the University of the Witwatersrand, who argues that it reflects America’s lack of seriousness toward the continent.
Despite the absence of high-ranking U.S. officials, key diplomats are still expected to attend, including foreign ministers from BRICS nations like Russia’s Sergey Lavrov, along with counterparts from China and India. European representatives, such as Frenchman Jean-Noël Barrot and Briton David Lammy, will also be present. The chargé d’affaires at the U.S. embassy in Pretoria, Dana Brown, will stand in for the United States.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized that while the U.S. presence may be diminished, it does not signify a total boycott of the G20 summit in South Africa.
As discussions unfold, South Africa hopes to maintain focus on inclusive growth and financial innovation, particularly for countries burdened by debt and climate change challenges. G20 negotiator Xolisa Mabhongo acknowledged that the agenda will cover various global developments, including conflicts in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Nevertheless, the current geopolitical climate may hinder South Africa’s efforts to advocate for its priorities within the G20 framework. The nation is also striving to mitigate repercussions from its strained relationship with Washington, particularly as the U.S. appears to align more closely with South Africa’s stance, traditionally viewed as an ally of Moscow, on the Ukraine issue.
Following President Trump’s decision to cut financial aid to South Africa over land expropriation laws and a genocide complaint against Israel, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that the nation would not be intimidated. Analysts, like William Gumede, suggest that South Africa must find ways to transform the absence of American officials into a strategic opportunity.