The G20 summit is going to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 22 to 23 November. This is the first G20 summit to be held in Africa, in which about 40 countries will participate. America has boycotted the summit. It also said that South Africa should not issue a traditional leader declaration after the conference. On this, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that no country can be allowed to threaten another country.

Ramaphosa said before the summit that a country’s geographical location, income or military power cannot decide whether its voice will be heard or ignored. South Africa responded that America’s absence would not affect its decisions.

Why the differences between South Africa and the US?

This year, differences between South Africa and America have increased on many domestic and foreign issues. The US Embassy said that South Africa’s G20 priorities are contrary to US policy and they cannot support agreement on any document at the summit.

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said he would stick to issuing a leader declaration. He said that if the announcement is not made, it will not be because of anyone’s absence. In fact, Trump has been continuously alleging that white farmers are being killed and their lands taken away in South Africa. As long as these human rights violations continue, no American official will participate in the G-20.

Two-thirds of the world’s population in G20

The G20 includes 19 countries and two regional organizations, the European Union and the African Union. Its members represent approximately 85% of the world’s GDP and approximately two-thirds of the population. South Africa has chosen Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability as the theme of its G20 presidency.

South Africa’s agenda is to increase disaster resilience, improve debt sustainability for low-income countries, finance an equitable energy transition and harness vital mineral resources for inclusive growth.