South Africa to conduct G20 handover to US at diplomatic level

South Africa has confirmed it will proceed with the transfer of G20 presidency to the United States through diplomatic channels that match the level of representation offered by Washington. The announcement comes amid tensions following the US decision not to send high-level officials to the Johannesburg summit.

Diplomatic Protocol Maintained

Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola explained that since the United States designated its charge d'affaires for the handover ceremony, South Africa would respond with equivalent representation. "We will accord them the equivalent respect by assuring that the person who does the handover is an appropriate, equal, equivalent of the charge," Lamola stated during a press conference on the summit's sidelines. The handover is scheduled to take place at DIRCO offices beginning Monday.

Summit Proceeds Without US Leadership

The two-day G20 leaders' summit commenced in Johannesburg without American representation, despite the United States being slated to assume the group's presidency from South Africa. The absence marked a departure from traditional handover ceremonies that typically occur during the summit with participation from both incoming and outgoing leadership.

Background of Bilateral Tensions

The diplomatic situation follows US President Donald Trump's announcement that he would not send officials to Johannesburg, citing allegations about South Africa's domestic policies that Pretoria has consistently denied. Relations between the two nations have deteriorated significantly in recent months over differing approaches to international and domestic policy matters. The G20, established in 1999, comprises 19 countries and two regional bodies representing the world's major economies.