The G20 foreign ministers are convening in South Africa this Thursday, amidst a significant global agenda that is marked by the notable absence of the United States. This two-day meeting is historic, as it represents the first time that G20 diplomats will convene on African soil, serving as a vital prelude to the upcoming G20 summit scheduled for November.
Kicking off the proceedings will be a keynote address from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at 2:00 PM local time (1200 GMT). As the first African nation to assume the G20 presidency, South Africa is poised to elevate the voices of developing countries in discussions that have often been dominated by wealthier nations. The G20 consists of 19 countries, along with the European Union and the African Union, collectively representing over 80% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population.
However, the absence of the United States, the richest member of the group, casts a shadow over the gathering. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that he will not attend, citing concerns over an “anti-American” agenda promoted by Pretoria. The meeting is expected to address pressing issues, including ongoing conflicts in Africa and Europe, but the geopolitical tensions arising from the Russia-Ukraine conflict are likely to dominate discussions.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, along with counterparts from China and India, has confirmed his participation, as have European diplomats including France’s Jean-Noel Barrot and the UK’s David Lammy. While the U.S. will be represented by Dana Brown, the deputy chief of mission at the American embassy in Pretoria, Rubio’s absence is seen as a detriment to the meeting’s focus. Experts suggest that it conveys a symbolic message indicating that the U.S. is not fully engaging with African concerns.
Earlier this month, the U.S. froze critical aid to Africa, prompting numerous governments to scramble for funds to support essential services. South Africa has become a focal point of U.S. criticism, particularly after Washington cut financial support due to contentious land policies and legal disputes involving Israel. In response to accusations from former President Trump regarding land confiscation, Pretoria has firmly stated that it will not be intimidated or deterred from its objectives.
As the G20 foreign ministers come together, a key question looms: how can South Africa leverage the absence of the U.S. to foster greater cooperation and dialogue among the remaining member states? The outcome of these discussions could shape the future of international relations and development agendas within the G20 framework.
