The G20 summit in Johannesburg concluded on Saturday with the adoption of a landmark declaration centred on climate action, debt relief, and global cooperation—despite a high-profile boycott from the United States and strong objections from the Trump administration.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office confirmed that the final document was drafted and endorsed without input from Washington. His spokesperson described the U.S. refusal to participate as “regrettable,” underscoring rising diplomatic tension between Pretoria and the White House.
“This process has taken an entire year of negotiations, and the final stretch has been particularly demanding,” the spokesperson said. Ramaphosa, presiding over the first G20 summit held on African soil, reiterated that members had reached “overwhelming consensus” to approve the declaration without delay.
Climate Commitments at the Core of the Dispute
Sources familiar with the negotiations said the United States disengaged from drafting sessions after objecting to language reaffirming the scientific urgency of climate change, supporting ambitious renewable-energy targets, and acknowledging the severe debt burdens facing low-income nations.
These themes have long been opposed by President Donald Trump, who has questioned mainstream climate science and resisted multilateral commitments to reduce emissions. U.S. officials had warned in advance that they would block any reference to global warming in the document.
The White House did not issue an immediate statement following the declaration’s adoption.
In his opening remarks, Ramaphosa urged leaders not to allow political divisions to overshadow the significance of Africa hosting the summit for the first time. “We cannot compromise the standing or impact of this moment,” he said.
Boycott Reflects Deeper Diplomatic Rift
Tensions escalated following Trump’s earlier claims—widely debunked by international observers—that South Africa’s government persecutes its white minority. During Ramaphosa’s visit to Washington in August, Trump repeated false allegations of violence targeting white farmers, despite efforts by the South African leader to correct the record.
U.S. officials later confirmed that the boycott was partly motivated by those claims and by the administration’s rejection of South Africa’s proposed agenda, which prioritised financial relief for developing countries, support for nations vulnerable to extreme weather, and expansion of clean-energy infrastructure.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola dismissed the U.S. absence as inconsequential to the broader mission of the G20. “This platform cannot be held hostage by the absence of any single member,” Lamola told public broadcaster SABC. “The G20 is about collective responsibility.”
Broader Global Divisions Surface
While the summit managed to reach agreement on the final text, strategic tensions between major global powers remained visible. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen cautioned against the “weaponisation of dependencies,” echoing concerns over China’s restrictions on vital minerals used in renewable-energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
The U.S. is scheduled to assume the rotating G20 presidency in 2026, but Ramaphosa noted that he would be handing over the role “to an empty chair,” after South Africa rejected Washington’s offer to send only its chargé d’affaires for the ceremonial transfer.
“It would be inappropriate to hand over the presidency to a junior diplomat,” presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said. “The United States made its decision to boycott. That is entirely their prerogative.”
Source:Africa publicity
