U.S. Announces Diplomatic Boycott of 2025 G20 Summit in South Africa
Washington/Johannesburg, November 8: In a dramatic move that has stirred global diplomatic circles, the United States has announced a full diplomatic boycott of the upcoming 2025 G20 Summit, set to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 22–23.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that “no U.S. government official will attend the G20 Summit,” citing alleged human-rights abuses against white Afrikaner farmers in South Africa.
Trump, who had earlier stated he would not personally attend, said his decision was based on reports of “violence, unlawful land seizures, and the killing and slaughter of white farmers.” Calling the situation “a total disgrace,” Trump questioned the choice of South Africa as the G20 host nation, saying, “It’s a shame that such a global forum will be held in a country that allows this kind of brutality.”
The South African government swiftly rejected the allegations, describing them as “baseless and politically motivated.” President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed Trump’s claims, emphasizing that South Africa remains committed to protecting all its citizens regardless of race.
“These statements are completely false and misleading,” Ramaphosa said in a televised address. “White South Africans continue to enjoy a higher standard of living than the majority Black population, even three decades after apartheid ended. Our nation is united by law, equality, and democracy—not by racial fearmongering.”
Analysts say the boycott represents one of the most unusual diplomatic steps taken by Washington in recent years, especially toward a fellow G20 member. The decision underscores deepening tensions between Washington and Pretoria, which have also clashed on issues ranging from foreign policy alignments to trade and energy cooperation.
The move is expected to draw mixed reactions from other G20 members. European Union officials have expressed concern that the boycott could undermine global coordination efforts on issues such as climate finance, economic recovery, and international security.
Despite the boycott, the United States is scheduled to host the next G20 Summit in 2026 in Miami, Florida, where diplomatic observers expect Washington to seek to reassert its leadership role within the group.
The 2025 Johannesburg summit will proceed as planned, with leaders from major economies — including China, India, Russia, and the European Union — expected to attend.
