20th February 2025
G20 foreign ministers are set to meet in South Africa on Thursday, but the absence of the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has cast a shadow over the talks. The two-day meeting, a prelude to the G20 summit in November, marks the first time Africa is hosting the gathering.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will open the event, which aims to amplify the voices of developing nations. The G20 includes 19 countries, along with the European Union and the African Union, representing over 80% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population.
The US opted out of the talks, with Rubio accusing South Africa of having an “anti-American” stance. Instead, the US will be represented by Dana Brown, deputy chief of mission at the American embassy in Pretoria.
Key topics will include global conflicts, particularly in Africa and Europe. Experts note the meeting takes place amid growing geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and rifts between the US and its European allies.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, along with top diplomats from China, India, France, and the UK, will be present. South Africa’s foreign minister, Ronald Lamola, downplayed the US absence, stating they are still represented at a lower level.
However, analysts believe the US no-show sends a strong message about its stance on Africa. This comes after Washington froze aid to the continent and cut financial support to South Africa over its land policies and legal case against Israel.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also pulled out of the upcoming G20 finance ministers’ meeting in Cape Town next week. Now, observers are questioning how South Africa can turn the situation into an opportunity despite the US withdrawal.
