South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly declared that the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) Leaders' Meeting will continue as scheduled, despite a last-minute decision by the United States to withdraw its participation.
Summit to Proceed Without US Delegation
Speaking in Kliptown, Johannesburg, on Friday, President Ramaphosa assured the international community that South Africa is fully prepared to host world leaders and ensure a successful gathering. The summit is scheduled for November 22 and 23, 2025, in Johannesburg, the nation's economic center.
Ramaphosa directly addressed the absence of the US, stating, "The summit will go on. We are not going to stop because they are not here." He emphasized that the majority of G20 leaders have already confirmed their attendance, underscoring the event's significance on the global stage.
Reasons Behind the US Withdrawal
The decision by US President Donald Trump to pull out all American representatives was attributed to allegations concerning the treatment of Afrikaners, which the US administration has labeled as "genocide." This move has introduced a significant diplomatic rift just days before the high-profile meeting was set to begin.
President Ramaphosa used the opportunity to critique the strategy of boycotting international forums. He stressed that "boycott politics never work," adding a pointed remark: "If you boycott an event or a process, you lose because the show will go on." This statement highlights a belief that engagement, not isolation, is the path to achieving diplomatic influence.
Global Implications and the Path Forward
The confirmation that the G20 Summit will proceed sends a strong message about the resilience of multilateral cooperation. The event in Johannesburg is poised to tackle critical issues facing the global economy, with or without the US delegation at the table.
This development places a spotlight on the dynamics of international diplomacy and the challenges of maintaining unity within influential global groups. The world will be watching closely as leaders convene in South Africa to navigate these complex geopolitical waters.
