Journalism of Courage
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated that the United States could participate in the G20 summit, which will be held in Johannesburg on November 22 and 23.
Ramaphosa said South Africa is discussing with the United States the possibility of US participation in the G20 summit after an initial boycott by the Trump administration.
Speaking at a joint news conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, Ramaphosa said the US has indicated that it’s had a “change of mind” and wants to take part in the summit.
Ramaphosa said the host country had received communication at “the 11th hour” and was now working on the logistics to accommodate the US.
“We have received notice from the United States, a notice which we are still in discussions with them over about a change of mind, about participating in one shape or form or other in the summit,” he said.
“This comes in the days before the summit. And so therefore we need to engage in those types of discussions to see how practical it is and what it finally really means.”
Trump had announced that his administration would boycott the two-day meeting of rich and developing nations in Johannesburg, claiming that Ramaphosa’s government is violently persecuting the white minority, which once ruled South Africa.
Trump had also rejected South Africa’s agenda for the November 22-23 summit: of promoting solidarity and helping developing nations adapt to worse weather disasters, transition to clean energy and cut their excessive debt costs.
Citing incidents of violence in South Africa, Trump and many of his supporters have claimed that a white genocide is underway in the country.
Last month, the Trump administration announced a cap of 7,500 refugee admissions into the US for the fiscal year, where white South Africans will be prioritised.
