Africa. Leaders of G20 nations have warned that the group’s ability to tackle global economic crises is being undermined by deepening geopolitical divisions and intensifying international rivalries, during a summit held in South Africa that was notably boycotted by the United States.
European leaders attending the meeting — the first G20 summit ever hosted on African soil — sought to coordinate their response to a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war in Ukraine under terms seen as favorable to Russia.
The summit, held under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” also marked the African Union’s debut as a permanent member, a move hailed as a milestone in strengthening the continent’s voice in global governance.
Global Challenges and Fragmentation
French President Emmanuel Macron, in his opening remarks, warned that the G20, which brings together the world’s major economies, is “at risk” amid growing difficulties in addressing international crises.
He suggested the group might be nearing the end of a cycle, urging members to revitalize the G20 framework that has struggled to deliver solutions to major global challenges.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the path ahead as “difficult,” calling for renewed constructive engagement in confronting global problems. Chinese Premier Li Qiang lamented the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, questioning “what has become of global solidarity.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa downplayed Trump’s absence, reaffirming that the G20 remains a key platform for international cooperation, and stressing that global challenges can only be met through collaboration and partnership.
The Trump Plan and Diplomatic Tensions
The summit’s progress was overshadowed by the U.S. boycott, while Li Qiang represented China instead of President Xi Jinping, and Kremlin aide Maxim Oreshkin attended in place of Vladimir Putin.
Participants adopted a joint communiqué addressing climate change, energy, debt, and strategic minerals, and calling for a “just peace” in Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and the Palestinian territories.
However, Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, representing President Javier Milei, objected to the communiqué’s handling of geopolitical issues, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, though his objections did not block its adoption.
Starmer, Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held talks on Trump’s Ukraine proposal, later joined by leaders from Australia, Canada, and Japan, according to an EU official.
The group issued a joint statement saying that Trump’s plan could serve as a starting point requiring further work, while reaffirming opposition to any redrawing of borders by force and expressing concern over proposed restrictions on Ukraine’s armed forces, which they warned could leave the country vulnerable to future attacks.
