"No one country has right to unilaterally change makeup of G20": Envoy on US not inviting South Africa for summit
New Delhi, June 9
South African High Commissioner Anil Sooklal on Tuesday criticised the exclusion of South Africa from this year's G20 summit scheduled in the United States, saying no single country has the authority to unilaterally alter the composition or functioning of the grouping.
Speaking on South Africa not being invited to this year's G20 summit proceedings, Sooklal stressed that the G20 operates on the principles of inclusivity and consensus.
"No one country has the right to go and unilaterally change the makeup of the G20. The exclusion of South Africa from G20 proceedings this year under the USA is a unilateral process, and fellow G20 countries have spoken out in disagreement with this decision," Sooklal said.
The South African envoy said any attempt to sideline member countries undermines the foundational principles on which the grouping functions.
"If you want to preserve and strengthen the G20, then we need to preserve the inclusive processes and respect the consensus-based nature of the G20 and not allow unilateral action to undermine a very important global body," he added.
Sooklal's remarks come amid discussions surrounding participation and representation within the G20, which brings together major economies to address global economic, financial and development challenges.
In November last year, US President Donald Trump has announced that South Africa will not be invited to the 2026 G20 Summit in Miami, while sharply criticising the South African government over what he described as "horrific Human Rights abuses".
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "The United States did not attend the G20 in South Africa because the South African Government refuses to acknowledge or address the horrific Human rights abuses endured by Afrikaners and other descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers."
"To put it more bluntly, they are killing white people and randomly allowing their farms to be taken from them," he added.
The US boycotted the 2025 meeting in South Africa amid unfounded accusations that the government there is committing genocide against White South Africans, CNN reported.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Trump's claims about South Africa are largely unsubstantiated. The land reform issue is complex and not about "killing white farmers". It's disappointing that the US would use such unverified accusations to sideline a democratic nation. Multilateralism is what we need, not unilateral actions.
While I agree that no country should unilaterally change G20 norms, South Africa's leadership under Ramaphosa has been questionable on many fronts. But this sets a dangerous precedent. Next could be India if the US doesn't like our policies. Stand firm, SA! 🇮🇳🤝🇿🇦
The G20 should remain a forum for economic cooperation, not a tool for geopolitical vendettas. Trump's accusations about genocide are baseless and dangerous. India knows this well - we face similar smear campaigns sometimes. Solidarity with South Africa!
Honestly, the G20 is losing its meaning anyway. Rich countries bullying poorer ones is not new. But SA High Commissioner is correct - imagine if India started doing this to other nations? Total chaos. Need more diplomatic maturity from the US. 😤
India must take a strong stand here. We cannot allow the US to unilaterally decide who participates in global forums. This is where the Global South must unite. China and Russia will definitely back SA on this. Good to see South Africa speaking up boldly! 🗣️
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