Washington / Johannesburg — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will not participate in the upcoming G-20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, scheduled for November 22–23. The decision, revealed through Trump’s Truth Social account, comes amid his accusation that South Africa is failing to prevent serious human-rights violations.
Allegations and Diplomatic Fallout
Trump claimed that the South African government has ignored attacks against white farmers and allowed the illegal seizure of their land. “Afrikaner farmers are being killed, their farms are being taken unlawfully. Until these violations end, no American official will visit South Africa,” he wrote.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration suspended U.S. development aid to South Africa, citing similar concerns. Trump has repeatedly criticized South Africa’s land-reform policy, arguing that it discriminates against white citizens of European descent.
Vice President JD Vance, who had been preparing to lead the U.S. delegation, will also skip the event following Trump’s directive. The G-20 meeting will bring together major economies including China, India, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
South Africa’s Response
South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation called the U.S. decision “unfortunate” and said Trump’s claims were not supported by facts. “The assertion that Afrikaner communities face systematic persecution is inaccurate.
South Africa remains committed to equality, reconciliation, and coexistence,” the ministry said in a statement. Officials added that South Africa intends to use global platforms such as the G-20 to promote unity and dialogue among nations.
Broader Implications
Relations between Washington and Pretoria have cooled during Trump’s presidency. His earlier move to reduce refugee admissions while favoring white South African applicants drew global criticism from human-rights organizations.
Analysts warn that the latest boycott could further distance the United States from African nations, even as China and Russia expand their presence on the continent. Trump has also expressed interest in hosting the 2026 G-20 Summit in Miami, Florida, after the U.S. assumes the G-20 chairmanship from South Africa in 2025.
