Johannesburg: The G20 summit concluded on Sunday with an unexpected diplomatic rift after South Africa, the host nation, refused to transfer the rotating presidency to what it described as an “under-ranked” representative from the United States. The US, which had skipped the two-day gathering, is scheduled to assume the G20 presidency for 2026.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola defended the decision, stating that the summit’s handover protocol requires representation at an appropriate level. “The United States is a member of the G20, and if they want to be represented, they can still send anyone at the right level,” Lamola said. “It is the leaders’ summit. The right level is the head of state, a special envoy appointed by the president, or a minister.”
With Washington absent at top level, South Africa announced that the ceremonial transition of the presidency would be postponed. Officials indicated that the handover may now take place separately at the country’s foreign ministry headquarters.
The diplomatic standoff overshadowed the closing moments of the summit, raising questions about the US approach to the forum and the implications for its upcoming leadership role.
