Sat Nov 22 03:46:14 UTC 2025: G20 Summit Proceeds in South Africa Despite US Boycott
Johannesburg, South Africa – The annual Group of 20 (G20) leaders’ summit is underway in Johannesburg, marking the first time the event has been held on African soil. However, the summit is taking place against a backdrop of controversy, as the United States, under President Donald Trump, has boycotted the event. Trump has cited unsubstantiated claims of discrimination and “human rights abuses” against white people in South Africa as the reason for the boycott.
Despite the US absence, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has affirmed that the summit will proceed as planned, with representatives from 42 countries and institutions in attendance. Ramaphosa has even stated that he would symbolically hand over the G20 presidency to an empty chair if necessary.
The summit aims to address critical global issues, including economic inequalities, development financing for vulnerable countries, climate change, and debt restructuring. South Africa hopes to use its position as host to prioritize issues affecting the Global South.
The summit is also attracting protests, with groups planning demonstrations to raise awareness about femicide, climate change, wealth inequality, and issues facing South Africa’s white minority. Security has been heightened, with thousands of extra police officials deployed and the army on standby.
Notable attendees include China’s Premier Li Qiang, French President Emmanuel Macron, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and leaders from Germany, the UK, Brazil, Turkiye, Italy, Japan, Canada, and Australia.
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