US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will skip the G20 summit in South Africa, accusing the nation of anti-Americanism. He criticized the country’s land reform measures and the theme of the summit focused on DEI and climate change. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed these criticisms, highlighting the ongoing land reform efforts meant to correct past injustices.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he will not attend the G-20 summit in South Africa on February 20-21, citing the country’s anti-American policies. On social media, Rubio stated that South Africa is expropriating private property and misusing the summit to promote agendas of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) alongside climate change, which he views as contrary to American interests.
The G-20 summit in Johannesburg marks a significant event, as South Africa holds the G20 presidency from December 2024 to November 2025. The country is under pressure to address land reform issues stemming from apartheid-era policies that still affect land ownership dynamics today. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasizes the need to rectify these injustices, while American officials express concerns about human rights violations related to land confiscation.
Rubio’s decision to skip the G20 summit reflects a growing tension between the US and South Africa, particularly surrounding land reform policies and the concept of DEI. As the G20 summit approaches, it is pivotal to acknowledge both the historical context and the ongoing challenges related to land ownership and governance in South Africa, as well as the implications for international diplomacy.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com