President Trump cited multiple justifications Friday for excluding South Africa from the 2026 G20 Summit in Miami. The decision combines human rights allegations with procedural grievances from the recent Johannesburg gathering.
Trump’s comprehensive social media statement outlined what he describes as systematic human rights violations against Afrikaners and other descendants of European settlers in South Africa. The President’s characterization included explicit claims about violence and property seizures targeting white farming communities. He accused the South African government of refusing to acknowledge these alleged abuses.
Last weekend’s G20 gathering in Johannesburg attracted significant international participation, with world leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending. However, the United States maintained a conspicuous boycott, with no official delegation present at any proceedings. This absence formed part of Trump’s broader justification for the exclusion.
Additional justifications emerged from disputes about the ceremonial transfer of G20 presidency responsibilities. Trump alleged that South African authorities deliberately mishandled the handover despite the presence of a US Embassy representative at the closing event. The South African government countered by explaining that proper diplomatic protocol was followed, with the transfer occurring at their international relations headquarters since no official US delegation attended the summit proper.
President Ramaphosa characterized the multiple justifications as concerning while reaffirming his government’s commitment to diplomatic engagement. Trump’s assertions about persecution and genocide of white farmers represent claims that have been extensively examined and rejected by multiple sources, including the South African government, white leadership within the country, and independent observers. The combination of these various justifications has created a complex diplomatic situation.
