In a notable diplomatic decision, US President Donald Trump will skip the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, opting to send Vice President JD Vance instead. The decision follows strained ties with host President Cyril Ramaphosa, after Trump repeated false claims of genocide against white farmers—a charge South Africa has rejected. Relations have further soured over tariffs on South African exports, the suspension of aid, disagreements over the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador earlier this year. Despite tensions, South African officials welcomed Vance’s attendance, stressing that the summit’s success depends on dialogue rather than any one leader’s presence. The gathering will mark the first G20 summit ever hosted on African soil.
Africa News