The United States has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa, citing concerns over the treatment of white farmers in the country. President Donald Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, stating that no US officials would attend the gathering, including Vice President JD Vance, who was initially scheduled to participate.

The decision to boycott the summit follows President Trump’s previous comments on the alleged “abuses” faced by Afrikaners in South Africa, including violence, death, and land seizures. The South African government has consistently denied these allegations, with President Cyril Ramaphosa stating that he personally informed Trump that the claims of discrimination and persecution are “entirely untrue.”

South African officials have expressed surprise at the accusations, pointing out that white South Africans generally enjoy a higher standard of living than the black majority, more than three decades after the end of apartheid. The boycott is the latest in a series of diplomatic clashes between the Trump administration and South Africa, which have included disagreements over diversity and climate change.

Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipped a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, objecting to its agenda. The Trump administration has also framed its refugee policy around the issue, suggesting that the majority of the sharply reduced annual refugee intake of 7,500 would be white South Africans fleeing what it calls discrimination.

The diplomatic dispute between the US and South Africa has significant implications for international relations and global cooperation. The G20 summit is a key platform for world leaders to discuss pressing issues, including economic development, trade, and climate change. The US withdrawal is likely to be seen as a setback for these efforts, and may strain relations between the two countries.

The South African government has reiterated its commitment to hosting a successful G20 summit, despite the US boycott. As the international community prepares for the gathering, attention will be focused on the implications of the US withdrawal and the potential impact on global cooperation. The diplomatic tensions between the US and South Africa are likely to continue, with significant consequences for international relations and global governance.