US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will boycott G20 talks in South Africa over concerns of an “anti-American” agenda linked to land reforms. President Trump previously criticized these reforms, asserting they jeopardize property rights. South Africa’s leaders refute these claims, emphasizing their sovereign right to reform land ownership.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he will skip the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) talks scheduled in South Africa, citing the host government’s purportedly “anti-American” agenda. This decision follows President Donald Trump’s criticism of South Africa’s land reforms intended to address historical inequalities stemming from apartheid. Rubio’s planned boycott of the talks on February 20-21 in Johannesburg reflects his sentiments on the country’s policies regarding private property and international discussions on diversity and climate change.
The US’s absence from the G20 talks represents a significant decision, as the G20 is comprised of major economies worldwide. South Africa’s land reform policies have emerged as contentious, with ongoing public discourse about ownership primarily resting with the white minority. These reforms are particularly relevant as the global community discusses wealth distribution and climate action, often polarized along political lines.
The decision by US officials to not participate in the G20 talks illustrates rising tensions over international policies and historical grievances. Rubio’s condemnation of South African government actions points towards broader themes of nationalism and anti-globalization sentiments prevalent in the current US administration.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
