In a strong diplomatic response, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) has condemned former US President Donald Trump’s decision to boycott the upcoming G20 Summit, calling it an act of “imperialist arrogance.”
Addressing the media, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula accused Trump of undermining global cooperation by rejecting multilateral platforms such as the G20, which bring together the world’s leading economies to discuss collective growth, trade, and climate issues.
Mbalula also criticized US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who echoed Trump’s allegations that the G20 had become a “global bureaucracy serving anti-American interests.” The ANC leader described those remarks as “a reflection of outdated imperialist thinking”, asserting that no single nation should attempt to dictate global governance frameworks.
“Trump’s refusal to engage in global discussions shows the same unilateral attitude that once dominated colonial politics. South Africa stands for equality among nations — not the domination of one,” Mbalula stated.
The Background: Trump’s G20 Boycott
Former US President Donald Trump, who returned to political prominence after his re-election bid, announced that he would boycott the 2025 G20 Summit, calling it “a waste of time and resources.” His statement accused the forum of being “controlled by bureaucrats and globalists who weaken national sovereignty.”
This decision has drawn sharp criticism from multiple countries, including South Africa, India, and Brazil — all part of the BRICS bloc, which has been advocating for more balanced global governance and reduced Western dominance in economic policymaking.
South Africa’s Response and BRICS Alignment
South Africa’s reaction is consistent with its pro-BRICS, multilateral diplomacy stance. The country has been one of the strongest voices for restructuring global power systems, emphasizing cooperation among emerging economies and reducing dependency on Western-led institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
Mbalula reiterated that Trump’s decision to skip the G20 is symbolic of a “retreat from global responsibility.”
“If the United States chooses isolation, it must not expect the rest of the world to pause its progress,” he added.
Diplomatic analysts note that South Africa’s sharp tone reflects a broader frustration among developing nations, who view Western political strategies as self-serving and dismissive of collective interests.
Global Reactions
While Washington officials downplayed the impact of Trump’s remarks, European and Asian leaders have expressed concern that such boycotts undermine international cooperation.
India’s External Affairs Ministry emphasized the importance of “constructive dialogue at multilateral forums,” while Brazil called Trump’s stance “counterproductive and divisive.”
The G20 Summit 2025, scheduled to be held in Singapore next month, is expected to focus on economic recovery, climate resilience, and digital infrastructure, but Trump’s absence could shift the narrative toward questions of unity within global governance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What did South Africa call Trump’s decision?
South Africa’s ANC termed Donald Trump’s boycott of the G20 Summit as “imperialist” and harmful to global unity.
Q2: Who made the statement?
Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary-General of South Africa’s ruling ANC party.
Q3: What did Trump say about the G20?
He called it a “globalist bureaucracy” and announced he would not attend the 2025 G20 Summit.
Q4: How did other countries react?
Nations including India, Brazil, and several EU members expressed disappointment, calling for continued international cooperation.
Q5: When and where will the G20 Summit 2025 take place?
The summit is scheduled for December 2025 in Singapore.
Published on : 10th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit : Reported by Press Trust of India (PTI) — NDTV Profit / Economy & World Desk