Cyril Ramaphosa has been disinvited from the upcoming G7 summit in Evian, France, following pressure from the United States, according to the South African presidency.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Pretoria was informed that Emmanuel Macron withdrew the invitation after sustained pressure from Washington, with reports indicating that Donald Trump threatened to boycott the summit if South Africa participated.

Strained US-South Africa Relations

South Africa has faced mounting tensions with the United States in recent months, spanning trade disputes, diplomatic disagreements, and criticisms of its domestic policies. Trump had imposed steep tariffs on South African exports, later overturned by the US Supreme Court, and repeatedly criticised Pretoria’s racial justice policies, controversially alleging discrimination against white citizens.

Relations were further strained after South Africa instituted a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice over the war in Gaza, drawing sharp rebuke from Washington.

Invitation and Withdrawal

Ramaphosa’s invitation to the G7 had initially come directly from Macron during the G20 summit in South Africa, in line with the bloc’s practice of engaging non-member nations on global issues.

South Africa’s Response

Despite the development, the South African presidency said its bilateral ties with France remain strong and unchanged, while reaffirming its commitment to constructive engagement with the United States, noting that relations between both countries predate the current US administration and will endure beyond it.