As diplomatic tensions between the United States and South Africa intensify, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio opted out of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting currently being held in Johannesburg. While top diplomats from Russia, China, and India actively participated in discussions, Rubio’s absence has fueled controversy over US-South Africa relations.

Rubio confirmed his decision before the event, citing his unwillingness to support what he termed “anti-Americanism.” In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he accused South Africa of using the G20 platform to promote “solidarity, equality, & sustainability,” which he dismissed as a cover for diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and climate change policies. “My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism,” Rubio asserted.

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Further US Withdrawal from G20 Meetings

Shortly after Rubio’s announcement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also declared his absence from the upcoming G20 Finance Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for next week. However, unlike Rubio, Bessent cited obligations in Washington as the reason for his absence. A senior Treasury official is expected to represent the United States in his place.

Strained US-South Africa Relations

This diplomatic snub comes at a particularly volatile time. South Africa, the first African nation to preside over the G20, has positioned itself as a champion for developing countries. However, relations between Washington and Pretoria have worsened since President Donald Trump assumed office. His administration has raised concerns about South Africa’s governance and its role in global affairs.

Adding to the friction, Trump signed an executive order earlier this year to cut US aid to South Africa, citing “unjust and immoral practices” against the Afrikaner minority. The situation was further exacerbated when South Africa filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023, a move that angered the US administration.

South Africa’s Response to US Snub

In response to Rubio’s remarks, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola downplayed the situation, stating that the US’s decision was “not a complete boycott” of South Africa’s G20 leadership. He reassured that the US would still have some form of representation at the meetings in Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the G20 gathering, emphasizing the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation. In his opening speech, Ramaphosa warned that the world’s fragile geopolitical climate was under threat from rising intolerance, conflicts, and climate change. “There is a lack of consensus among major powers, including within the G20, on how to respond to these global challenges,” he stated. He further urged that “the principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism, and international law should remain central to all global efforts.”

The Road Ahead

As South Africa continues its G20 presidency until November 2025, it faces an uphill battle in balancing global expectations while navigating tensions with Washington. The US absence from key meetings raises concerns over potential policy divisions and the future of US engagement in international diplomacy under the Trump administration.