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U.S. Bars South Africa From 2026 G20 Summit
U.S. President Donald Trump said on 26 November 2025 that his administration will not invite South Africa to the 2026 G20 summit in Miami. This comes in the aftermath of the U.S. boycott of the 2025 G20 summit held in Johannesburg. Mr. Trump cited what he described as South Africa’s refusal to transfer the G20 presidency to a U.S. Embassy representative during the ceremonial hand-over, calling that refusal unacceptable.
Funding And Ties Threatened As Warning Signal
Alongside the disinvite, the U.S. indicated it may suspend certain funding and subsidies to South Africa — a signal of further diplomatic and economic pressure. The state-to-state relationship appears to have deteriorated sharply after the summit dispute.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency Ends Amid Controversy
South Africa’s 2025 G20 presidency marked the first time the summit was hosted in Africa. Despite the U.S. absence, the summit concluded with a declaration backing climate action and global cooperation. South Africa’s leadership maintained the summit’s legitimacy, but the row with Washington over procedural protocol has now escalated.
Implications For Global Cooperation And Future Summits
The exclusion of a founding G20 member from the next summit sets a rare precedent and raises concerns about the unity and continuity of the forum. Observers say the move could weaken multilateral consensus and deepen geopolitical divides, especially on critical issues like climate change, global debt, and security cooperation.
