G20 summit adopts declaration in Johannesburg despite US boycott

 

In a significant break from diplomatic tradition, the Group of 20 (G20) leaders adopted a summit declaration in South Africa’s Johannesburg on Saturday (November 22) without the input of the United States. 

The declaration, finalized during the summit hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, addresses the climate crisis and debt relief for developing nations. 

The move underscores a deepening rift between the G20 member nations and the Trump administration.

According to sources familiar with the matter, G20 envoys drafted the document on Friday without US involvement. 

A spokesperson for President Ramaphosa stated that the text—which employs language Washington has long opposed—is final and "can't be renegotiated."

Key pillars of the adopted declaration include:

• Climate action: Stressing the scientific consensus on the seriousness of climate change and the urgent need for adaptation.

• Renewable energy: Praising ambitious targets for transitioning to green energy.

• Economic relief: Addressing the punishing levels of debt service currently burdening poor countries.

A White House official condemned the exclusion of the US from the drafting process, calling the move "shameful." 

Conversely, President Ramaphosa noted there was "overwhelming consensus" among the attending delegations to produce a worthy outcome document.

Reasons behind the US boycott

US President Donald Trump refused to attend the summit or support the declaration, resulting in a notable diplomatic snub. The friction stems from two main issues:

1. Policy disagreement: President Trump rejects the scientific consensus on human-caused global warming and opposes the host nation's agenda regarding clean energy transition and international solidarity.

2. Political allegations: Trump cited widely discredited allegations that South Africa's government persecutes its white minority as the primary reason for the boycott.

The boycott has created an unprecedented scenario for the transfer of the G20 presidency. 

The United States is scheduled to host the G20 in 2026.

President Ramaphosa stated he would be forced to hand over the rotating presidency to an "empty chair." 

In a further sign of strained relations, the South African presidency rejected a compromise offer from the US to send a charge d'affaires to accept the handover.

"We should not allow anything to diminish the value, the stature and the impact of the first African G20 presidency," Ramaphosa added.