By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The United States is absent from the ongoing meeting of G-20 top diplomats in South Africa, a two-day gathering focusing on a wide range of global issues. It is the first meeting of the bloc to be hosted by Pretoria since assuming the presidency last year.
The meeting, which kicks off on Thursday, will begin with a keynote address from the host President Cyril Ramaphosa.
South Africa, the first African nation to lead the forum, is aiming to use its leadership to ensure that the voices of poorer nations are heard by the wealthier G-20 members.
The G-20 currently comprises 19 countries, along with the European Union and the African Union, representing over 80% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population.
However, the group’s wealthiest member, the United States, will not participate in the talks after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his absence.
Rubio’s absence from the G-20 meeting is linked to the rising tensions between Washington and Pretoria over some of South Africa’s policies, which the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration considers “anti-white.”
Trump had announced the withdrawal of financial aid to South Africa over a land administration law that Washington believes puts the white minority at a disadvantage. South Africa has denied expropriating land from the white minority.
According to the meeting agenda, discussions will focus on key issues affecting the developing world, including debt refinancing and climate change. One of the first sessions will involve discussions on the global geopolitical situation.
The G-20 meeting will also offer European nations an opportunity to present a united front on the Russia-Ukraine war and any potential peace process amid their own divisions.
Britain, France, Germany, and the EU have all pledged continued support for Ukraine and condemned Russia’s aggression, while seeking to be a part of any ceasefire negotiations.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in Johannesburg for the meeting.
