South Africa shut out of G20, as tensions with US escalate

South Africa was not present at the first preparatory meetings for the 2026 G20 summit, after the United States removed it from the guest list, according to the New Arab plus agencies on December 17th.

The Sherpa and Finance Track meetings were held in Washington and set priorities ahead of the G20 summit scheduled for November 2026 in Miami. 

South Africa, a founding member of the G20, did not attend after President Donald Trump’s administration withdrew its invitation and invited Poland in its place. The decision has led to a sharp decline in foreign relations between the two nations. 

According to reports, South African officials stated that the disinvitation is linked to the country’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, plus what they describe as false claims by the US about human rights abuses in South Africa. 

US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have criticised South Africa’s government and accused it of pursuing a “radical agenda”. He also declared South Africa’s ambassador to the US as “persona non grata”. 

Legal scholar Patrice Lumumba said South Africa has a right to attend G20 meetings because of its founding status. He rejected US claims of a “white genocide” in South Africa, calling them extremist propaganda with no basis in fact. 

He said, “The allegation of white genocide in South Africa is not new. It did not arise in a university seminar or a human rights report. It grew in the swamp of extremist propaganda among people who are still angry that majority rule came to South Africa at all.”

Lumumba’s views have resonated with civil society leaders. Tebogo Mashilompane, head of the Forum for South Africa, explained the exclusion was punishment for South Africa’s refusal to drop its ICJ case against Israel. He also pointed to the cancellation of a US visa held by former foreign minister Naledi Pandor as further proof of political pressure.

South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has repeatedly dismissed the US’s allegations of human rights abuses. Speaking in parliament on November 30th, he said South Africa has no laws or policies that discriminate against any race. He also confirmed that the nation would continue with its ICJ case regardless of diplomatic fallout. 

Germany and other members have said they will raise concerns with Washington, warning that excluding South Africa weakens African representation in global economic decision-making. South Africa’s foreign ministry also warned that sidelining a founding member risks damaging the credibility of the G20 itself.

Relations between the two countries have worsened since Trump returned to office in January 2025. The dispute has raised concerns that diplomatic tensions could impact trade, after US officials suggested South Africa could face tougher treatment under the current trade programmes.

New Arab plus agencies, Maghrebi.org