Johannesburg, South Africa — South Africa has received notice that it will not be participating in the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, in June, following the withdrawal of its invitation. The announcement came from the spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa, Vincent Magwenya, who attributed the decision to sustained pressure from the United States.
Magwenya revealed that the U. S. Had threatened to boycott the G7 if South Africa’s invitation was upheld.
This development is seen as a direct response to the Trump administration’s criticism of South Africa’s policies. French President Emmanuel Macron had personally extended an invitation to Ramaphosa during the G20 summit in November.
The strained relations between South Africa and the U. S. Have intensified since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, marked by accusations of a “white genocide, “a boycott of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, and disputes over South Africa’s Black economic empowerment policies and its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Despite the setback, Magwenya emphasized that the decision by France would not undermine the strong and close relationship between South Africa and France. South Africa remains dedicated to constructive engagement with the U. S.
Asserting that the bilateral relationship will endure beyond the current administration’s term. The government has yet to comment on the potential implications of the disinvitation for future international engagements.
Source: Africanews
