G20 Foreign Ministers Meet in South Africa Amid US Snub and Rising Global Tensions
By DAYO ADESULU
US Secretary of State Rubio Skips Talks, Raising Questions About Washington’s Africa Policy
Cape Town, South Africa – Top G20 diplomats are set to meet in South Africa on Thursday for a crucial two-day summit addressing global security, economic challenges, and geopolitical tensions. However, the absence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cast a shadow over the high-profile gathering.
The Group of 20 (G20), which represents 80% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population, is meeting in Africa for the first time under South Africa’s historic presidency. The meeting will open with a keynote speech from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at 2:00 PM (1200 GMT).
US Absence Sparks Diplomatic Friction
The United States, the G20’s wealthiest member, has opted to send a low-level diplomat, Dana Brown, the deputy chief of mission at the US embassy in Pretoria, rather than Secretary of State Rubio. Rubio cited an “anti-American” agenda in Pretoria’s policies as the reason for his absence.
South Africa’s foreign minister Ronald Lamola sought to downplay the significance of the snub, emphasizing that Washington is still represented.
“It might be at the lower level, but they will be represented. It’s not a complete boycott of South Africa’s G20,” Lamola said.
However, experts believe Rubio’s absence is symbolic and could undermine Africa’s role in global economic and political affairs.
“It sends a symbolic message to Africans: the US is not taking Africa seriously,” said William Gumede, professor of public management at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Geopolitical Tensions: Russia-Ukraine War and Africa’s Role
The Russia-Ukraine war is expected to dominate discussions, especially after former US President Donald Trump recently suggested Kyiv was to blame for Russia’s invasion—remarks that have widened a rift between Washington and its European allies.
Meanwhile, the absence of Ukraine in Saudi-hosted talks between US and Russian officials has also fueled speculation about shifting alliances and backdoor diplomacy.
“The elephant in the room is the geopolitical context in which this meeting is taking place,” said Priyal Singh, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria.
South Africa is keen to use its G20 presidency to push for a development-focused agenda that benefits poorer nations. However, Singh warned that growing divisions among Western powers could derail these efforts.
Russia, China, and India to Attend, US to Skip Finance Summit
While Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, China’s top diplomat, and India’s foreign minister have confirmed their attendance, European leaders including France’s Jean-Noel Barrot and the UK’s David Lammy will also participate.
However, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced he will not attend next week’s G20 finance ministers’ meeting in Cape Town, further signaling strained US-South Africa relations.
US-Africa Relations Under Strain
The US recently froze foreign aid to Africa, leaving many nations scrambling to fund essential services like healthcare. South Africa has been particularly targeted, with Washington cutting financial support over issues such as land reform policies and Pretoria’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Former US President Trump has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government of seizing land from white farmers, though no evidence was provided. Pretoria has strongly rejected the claims, stating they “will not be intimidated, distracted, nor bullied into submission.”
What’s Next? Can South Africa Turn This into an Opportunity?
As the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting kicks off, analysts say South Africa faces a major diplomatic test. With the US absent at the top level, Pretoria could leverage the moment to strengthen ties with other G20 members, particularly China, India, and Russia.
“How can South Africa salvage this and turn the absence of the US into an opportunity?” asked analyst William Gumede.
Key Takeaways from the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting:
✅ South Africa leads G20 for the first time, focusing on global development
✅ US Secretary of State Rubio snubs talks, citing “anti-American” sentiment
✅ Russia, China, and India confirm attendance; US sends lower-level diplomat
✅ US Treasury Secretary also skips finance summit in Cape Town next week
✅ South Africa faces pressure to balance global diplomacy amid tensions
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