The G20 Summit in Johannesburg concluded over the week-end with the adoption of a wide-ranging declaration aimed at reinforcing multilateralism and promoting fairer global governance, even as the United States maintained its boycott.
South Africa’s International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola hailed the 122-point “Leaders’ Declaration” as a transformative blueprint for elevating the Global South within the world economy, emphasising its focus on inclusive growth, sustainable development and stronger support for developing nations. Washington, however, dismissed the outcome, asserting that no document could reflect G20 consensus without its participation.
The U.S. absence comes amid deepening diplomatic tensions rooted in disagreements over South Africa’s land reform policies and Pretoria’s 2023 case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Over the past year, the United States has suspended aid, expelled South Africa’s ambassador and imposed steep tariffs, measures Pretoria has condemned as historically insensitive and factually unfounded.
South African officials, including G20 Sous-Sherpa Xolisa Mabhongo and DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri, stressed that the summit’s success affirms global commitment to multilateral action and rejects coercive diplomacy. Analysts welcomed the declaration as a significant win for Africa during South Africa’s landmark G20 presidency, with Pretoria asserting that protocol will be upheld as the U.S. prepares to assume leadership on 1 December 2025.