A diplomatic rift has emerged at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, where South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected Washington’s plan to transfer the G20 presidency to a junior-level U.S. representative.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, announced that the president would not hand over the presidency to a chargé d’affaires, the lowest-ranking head of mission, typically appointed when a country lacks an ambassador. He stressed that such a handover would undermine the dignity of the G20 process.
The controversy follows the Trump administration’s boycott of the summit, citing grievances with South Africa’s government. The White House confirmed that Trump would not attend and that only a U.S. embassy official would represent Washington. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized Ramaphosa for “running his mouth” against the U.S. and insisted the envoy was present merely to acknowledge America’s upcoming role as host of the G20 in 2026.
South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola reinforced Ramaphosa’s stance, stating: “The United States will not be handed the presidency through a chargé d’affaires. That is not the level of representation befitting the G20.”
The standoff highlights growing tensions between Pretoria and Washington, with Ramaphosa determined to uphold diplomatic protocol while the U.S. insists its envoy is sufficient. Analysts say the dispute could complicate cooperation as the G20 transitions to America’s presidency next year.
