South Africa formally closed its G20 presidency on Sunday at the conclusion of the two-day Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, the first G20 summit ever hosted on African soil. Representatives from 42 countries attended, including all G20 members except the United States.
United States Boycotts the Summit
The United States was the only G20 member absent from the proceedings. President Donald Trump withdrew an earlier decision to send Vice-President JD Vance and ultimately opted for no representation at leaders’ level or otherwise. South African officials described the absence as a voluntary decision by Washington.
Handover of the G20 Presidency
South Africa rejected a U.S. proposal for its chargé d’affaires in Pretoria to receive the symbolic transfer of the G20 presidency during the closing ceremony, citing established protocol that such an exchange should occur between heads of state or government.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola stated that the presidency documents will instead be exchanged at diplomatic level next week in Pretoria. “It would not be proper for a head of state to hand over the presidency to a chargé d’affaires,” Lamola said, emphasising that the arrangement accords the United States “equivalent respect” and will not affect bilateral relations.
Adoption of the Final Declaration
In a departure from usual practice, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for an immediate vote on the 30-page final declaration shortly after his opening remarks on 22 November. The document, covering climate action, global peace and security, and resilient supply chains for critical minerals, was approved by all attending countries except Argentina, which abstained.
The United States, having not participated in the negotiations, had no role in shaping the text. A spokesperson for President Ramaphosa confirmed that the declaration is final and not open to renegotiation.
Future Engagement
South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to participate fully in G20 activities during the United States’ presidency in 2026. Minister Lamola reiterated that the United States remains welcome to engage with the forum at any time.
