While the US Stays Home, Africa Takes Center Stage at the G20 Summit: A Call for Global Unity

The G20 summit in South Africa has concluded, emphasizing multilateral cooperation among major economies despite the controversial US boycott. The declaration made at this historic gathering, the first of its kind on the African continent, highlighted key issues such as climate change and economic inequality.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed that the agreement signifies a common purpose that transcends national differences. President Donald Trump opted out of this summit based on disputable allegations regarding the treatment of South Africa’s white minority, which he claimed was facing violence and land confiscation.

Despite the absence of US leadership, the summit proceeded under the guidance of Indonesia, India, and Brazil, with Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva downplaying Trump’s absence and affirming that multilateralism remains robust. Additionally, German Chancellor Fredriech Merz criticized the decision for the US to abstain, noting a significant geopolitical shift and new alliances forming globally.

Delegates achieved consensus on promoting peace in Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with particular praise for addressing the Sudan conflict. This marks a notable moment in international dialogues surrounding the crisis, reflecting a shift towards inclusivity and responsiveness to long-standing issues. The symbolic transition of the G20 presidency to the US will occur in the coming weeks, with expectations for future cooperation as Trump’s golf course is set to host the summit in 2026.