Sat Nov 22 21:37:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has refused to hand over the G20 presidency to a U.S. embassy representative due to President Trump’s absence from the Johannesburg summit. The South African government insists that a handover can only occur with a head of state, minister, or special envoy appointed by the President. This decision follows Trump’s withdrawal from other multilateral events and disagreements with South Africa on various issues. Despite the U.S. absence, the G20 summit adopted a leaders’ declaration addressing global peace and critical mineral supply safeguards.

News Article:

South Africa Refuses G20 Handover to U.S. Embassy Representative Amid Trump Boycott

Johannesburg, South Africa – November 23, 2025 – In a move underscoring strained relations, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected handing over the G20 presidency to a U.S. embassy official following President Donald Trump’s refusal to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg this weekend.

The South African government stated on Saturday that the handover would only occur with a representative of sufficient rank, such as a head of state, minister, or a “special envoy appointed by the President.” Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized that the United States could still send an appropriate official if they wish to participate in the official transfer.

President Trump’s absence from the summit is the latest in a series of withdrawals from multilateral events and reflects growing tensions between the U.S. and South Africa. Disagreements include differing policy views and claims regarding the treatment of white South Africans.

Prior to the summit, the U.S. embassy informed South Africa that its priorities conflicted with U.S. policy views, leading to the absence of a joint declaration after the meeting. Despite the U.S. boycott, the summit successfully concluded on Saturday with the adoption of a leaders’ declaration addressing critical global issues. These include calls for peace in Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the “Occupied Palestinian Territory,” as well as safeguards on the global supply of critical minerals.

“We cannot be held back by one country,” stated presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya.

The standoff over the G20 presidency handover highlights the increasingly complex dynamics of international relations and the challenges of maintaining consensus within the group of leading economies.

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