US Boycotts G20 Summit in South Africa Amid Controversy

The G20 summit in South Africa, a gathering of the world's major economies, has ended with a joint declaration committing to multilateral cooperation.

The declaration, which covered climate change mitigation and economic inequality, was adopted despite objections from the US, which boycotted the meeting in Johannesburg.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that the agreement showcased how shared goals outweighed the nations' differences.

President Donald Trump abstained from attending the summit, rooted in a widely discredited claim that South Africa's white minority faces severe persecution.

This G20 summit marked the first time the event has been held in Africa. In past years, Indonesia, India, and Brazil have led the summit discussions.

Looking ahead, the US is set to host the G20 in 2026, likely at Trump’s golf course in Florida.

Due to Trump's absence, the ceremonial handover of the presidency was postponed, expected to take place next week with junior officials participating.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva downplayed Trump’s absence, remarking that multilateralism remains more alive than ever. Conversely, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced concern that the US's decision to abstain was unwise.

As discussions progressed, delegates reached an agreement on pursuing just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in hotspots like Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Palestine, a notable inclusion of Sudan's conflict after two years.

Saeed Abdalla, a Sudanese commentator, highlighted the significance of featuring Sudan in such discussions, indicating a potential shift in the G20's focus.