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G20 Opens in Johannesburg With US Boycott as Leaders Adopt Joint Declaration

The first G20 on African soil centers on a Global South agenda prioritized by South Africa.

Overview

  • South Africa said leaders approved a communiqué that includes a goal to triple renewable power capacity, notes the doubling of debt service in poorer countries over the past decade, and backs greater local processing of critical minerals.
  • The United States stayed away entirely after reaffirming a boycott, contradicting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s suggestion of possible late participation.
  • China is represented by Premier Li Qiang and Russia by senior official Maxim Oreshkin, with several other heads of state also absent from the leaders’ table.
  • European leaders held crisis consultations on President Donald Trump’s 28‑point Ukraine proposal, arguing any deal affecting Europe or NATO requires allied consent as Kyiv decries demanded concessions.
  • Delegations signaled readiness to engage with Washington on its 2026 G20 chairmanship, even as questions persist over ceremonial handover and the durability of agreements.