South Africa Defends G20 Troika Role Amid US Tensions
Johannesburg - The South African Presidency has issued a strong warning to the United States following concerns that SA might be excluded from the 2026 G20 Summit. The warning comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Pretoria, raising questions about South Africa's continued role within the powerful global forum.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, emphasized that the US cannot unilaterally decide to exclude South Africa. She highlighted that the G20 operates on multilateral principles, and any decision regarding participation must be made collectively.
"You can not dilute the participation of others. If they do not want us to participate we will have to tell the world that they do not want us to participate. The G20 is multilateral and not unilateral," Ntshavheni stated firmly.
South Africa is slated to work alongside the US (next year's host) and the UK (host in 2027) as part of the G20 Troika. This collaborative role ensures continuity and facilitates smooth transitions between summit presidencies. However, the existing friction between the two nations could potentially complicate this arrangement.
The Presidency maintains that South Africa will uphold its responsibilities within the Troika. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated as diplomatic discussions continue. The potential exclusion of South Africa from the G20 would have significant implications for the country's international standing and its ability to influence global policy decisions.
The G20 is a crucial platform for international cooperation, addressing issues ranging from economic stability to climate change. South Africa's active participation is vital for representing the interests of the African continent and contributing to solutions for global challenges.