Marco Rubio will not attend the G20 meeting in South Africa, criticizing its land and climate change policies. Key issues include South Africa’s land expropriation policies and DEI initiatives that Rubio finds contrary to U.S. interests. This decision is expected to impact U.S. diplomacy at the meeting, notably in context to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on February 5 that he will abstain from attending the G20 foreign ministers meeting in South Africa, primarily due to discontent with the country’s land and climate change policies, alongside its stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He critiqued South Africa for allegedly expropriating private property and promoting policies that align with ‘solidarity, equality, and sustainability,’ asserting that his focus is to further U.S. national interests rather than support policies he deems anti-American.
The issue surrounding land ownership in South Africa is deeply rooted in the history of colonialism and apartheid when black individuals were forcibly dispossessed of their land. Current policies, such as the Expropriation Act, aim to promote equitable access to land. President Cyril Ramaphosa defends these policies, asserting they are constitutionally guided. The conflict arises from contrasting views on land policy and DEI principles, with prominent figures like Donald Trump criticizing South Africa’s approach.
Marco Rubio’s decision to skip the G20 meeting highlights a significant U.S. stance against South Africa’s controversial policies. This absence not only affects U.S. participation in global discussions but also deprives Rubio of potential diplomatic engagements, including interaction with Russia’s Foreign Minister amid ongoing international conflicts, particularly the Ukraine war. The underlying land policy issues continue to provoke debate within international relations, reflecting broader themes of justice and equality.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
