The United States has excluded South Africa from the first G20 meeting of its presidency, scheduled for Washington this December. The snub, framed by Trump as retaliation for a dispute over a ceremonial handover during South Africa’s recent G20 presidency, has raised concerns about forum stability. Despite the decision, South African officials assert their unwavering commitment as a founding member, warning that unilateral exclusion sets a dangerous precedent that could destabilize the group’s consensus-based membership. While at least one other member state believes South Africa should attend as a matter of right, given its status as a founding member, Pretoria has opted not to challenge the decision. The US has also erased South Africa’s agenda from the official website and, in a social media post, signaled a sharp pivot in priorities toward deregulation and energy security.
Daily Maverick
