Donald Trump stated that the United States will not participate in the G20 summit in South Africa due to largely refuted assertions of persecution against white individuals in the nation.
The President of the United States described it as a “total disgrace” that South Africa is hosting the gathering, where leaders from the world’s largest economies will convene in Johannesburg later this month.
The South African foreign ministry characterised the White House’s decision as “regrettable”.
No political groups in South Africa, including those representing Afrikaners and the broader white community, have asserted that genocide is occurring in the country.
Trump expressed on his social media platform, Truth Social: “It is a complete disgrace that the G20 will convene in South Africa.”
“Afrikaners, individuals descended from Dutch settlers as well as French and German immigrants, are being murdered and their land and farms are being unlawfully appropriated,” he stated.
“No United States government official will participate as long as these violations of human rights persist.”
Trump had stated that South Africa should be excluded from the G20 and indicated that he would delegate Vice President JD Vance to attend in his stead.
However, the White House has said that no US official will attend.
Annually, a distinct member state hosts the G20 and establishes the summit’s agenda, with the United States scheduled to assume this role following South Africa.
The South African foreign ministry declared: “The South African government asserts, for the record, that the characterization of Afrikaners as an exclusively white group is historically inaccurate.”
“Moreover, the assertion that this community experiences persecution is not supported by evidence.”
Since resuming office in January, Trump has consistently alleged that South Africa discriminates against its white minority, notably during a confrontation with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, in the Oval Office in May.
The Trump administration has granted Afrikaners refugee status, citing an ongoing “genocide” in South Africa. Last week, the White House declared intentions to limit refugee admissions to an unprecedented low and prioritise white South Africans.
The South African government stated that the assertions of a white genocide are “largely discredited and lacking reliable evidence” and noted the “minimal acceptance” of this offer by South Africans.
A South African judge dismissed the claims as “clearly imagined” in February.
The G20 was established in 1999 in response to the Asian financial crisis. The participating nations possess almost 85% of the global wealth, and their objective was to reestablish economic stability.
The inaugural leaders’ summit took place in 2008 in response to that year’s global financial crisis, to foster international collaboration.
The presidents convene annually, accompanied by members from the European Union and the African Union, to discuss the global economy and the challenges confronting nations.
