G20 foreign ministers meet in South Africa amid U.S. absence

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio skips G20 talks, citing South Africa’s stance.

President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks at the launch of South Africa's G20 presidency at Imbizo Media Centre in Cape Town, South Africa, on December 3, 2024. Photo by Brenton Geach/Gallo Images

By Clarisa Sendy and Widya Putri

Top diplomats from the world’s major economies are gathering in South Africa on Thursday for the Group of 20 foreign ministers’ meeting. The two-day summit, a prelude to the G20 leaders’ conference in November, marks the first time the talks are being hosted on the African continent. However, the absence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio threatens to overshadow discussions on key global issues.

South Africa assumed the G20 presidency last year, becoming the first African nation to lead the forum. With 19 member countries alongside the European Union and the African Union, the group represents more than 80 percent of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population. The leadership shift was seen as an opportunity to amplify the voices of developing nations on the world stage.

U.S. accuses South Africa of ‘anti-American’ stance

Despite the significance of the summit, the United States has opted out of sending its top diplomat. Rubio’s decision to skip the event comes amid tensions between Washington and Pretoria, with the U.S. accusing South Africa of pursuing an "anti-American" agenda. Instead of Rubio, the U.S. will be represented by Dana Brown, the deputy chief of mission at its embassy in Pretoria.

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola sought to downplay the significance of Rubio’s absence, stating that the U.S. is still participating at a lower level. However, analysts suggest that the move sends a strong diplomatic message. "It sends a symbolic message to Africans: the U.S. is not taking Africa seriously," said William Gumede, a professor at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Global conflicts and geopolitical tensions take center stage

The summit is expected to address a range of pressing international issues, including conflicts in Africa and Europe. South African ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo confirmed that wars on both continents would be key discussion points. However, the broader geopolitical backdrop threatens to divert attention from economic cooperation.

The meeting comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump made controversial remarks about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, appearing to shift blame onto Kyiv. His comments, coupled with recent talks between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia—held without Ukrainian representatives—have heightened tensions among G20 nations.

Priyal Singh, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria, said these developments underscore the "rift forming between the U.S. and its European partners," a division that could weaken the effectiveness of South Africa’s G20 presidency.

Key world powers in attendance

Despite the U.S. absence at the highest level, other major powers have confirmed their participation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, along with top diplomats from China and India, will attend. European representation includes French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

While the U.S. presence is reduced, South African officials argue that the country remains engaged in the talks. "It’s not a complete boycott," Lamola emphasized, although experts believe the move reflects Washington’s growing frustration with Pretoria’s foreign policy decisions.

U.S.-South Africa tensions over aid and land policies

Relations between Washington and Pretoria have been strained in recent months. Earlier this year, the U.S. froze aid to Africa, leaving several governments scrambling to fill budget shortfalls for essential services, including healthcare.

South Africa has faced additional scrutiny from the U.S. over its land reform policies and its legal actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Trump accused President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government of "confiscating" land from white farmers and targeting certain groups unfairly, though he did not provide evidence. Pretoria dismissed the claims as misleading, stating that it would not be "intimidated, distracted, nor bullied into submission."

Can South Africa turn U.S. absence into an opportunity?

With the G20 summit now underway, analysts are questioning how South Africa can navigate the diplomatic fallout from Rubio’s absence. According to Gumede, the challenge lies in shifting the narrative and using the moment to strengthen alliances with other global players.

"How can South Africa salvage this and turn the absence of the U.S. into an opportunity?" he asked.

As the discussions unfold, the focus will be on whether Pretoria can maintain its influence on the global stage while balancing its complex relationships with major world powers.