South Africa's Strategic Withdrawal from G20 Following US Exclusion: Implications for Global Diplomacy

South Africa has indicated that it does not anticipate other G20 nations to boycott the US presidency in solidarity with them.

On Thursday, South Africa announced its willingness to temporarily step back from G20 participation after being excluded by the United States, stating they don't expect other countries to advocate for their inclusion.

The United States assumed the year-long presidency of the prominent economic group this month following its notable absence from South Africa's tenure, including skipping the November summit, which marked an intensification of tensions with Pretoria.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed on Wednesday that South Africa would not receive invitations to US-hosted G20 events, repeating allegations including unsubstantiated claims that the government intentionally discriminates against the white Afrikaner minority.

Presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya responded by confirming that South Africa would abstain from the 2026 series of meetings and resume participation when Britain takes over the G20 leadership in a year's time.

"For now, we will take a commercial break until we resume normal programming," Magwenya stated on social media.

The G20 comprises the world's leading economies along with the European Union and African Union regional blocs. It represents 85 percent of global GDP and two-thirds of the world's population.

The Johannesburg summit, which was the first held on African soil, welcomed numerous world leaders, including those from non-G20 countries, but was notably boycotted by US President Donald Trump.

President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesman indicated that South Africa does not expect other G20 members to boycott the US presidency or campaign for South Africa's inclusion.

"In fact it would be unhelpful if the entire year goes to waste and the G20 is collapsed," Magwenya explained in an interview with the Sunday Times newspaper published late Wednesday.

South Africa would nevertheless expect other members to "register their displeasure with the US in defence of multilateralism and the spirit and purpose of the G20," he added.

The Trump administration has criticized South Africa over various policies, expelling its ambassador in March and imposing 30 percent trade tariffs, which Pretoria continues to challenge.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)