ANC rebukes Washington while it condemns Guinea Bissau coup

The African National Congress (ANC) has criticised comments attributed to United States President Donald Trump regarding South Africa’s participation in the G20, saying the remarks disregard long standing diplomatic channels and misrepresent conditions in the country.

In a statement on Thursday, ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the relationship between South Africa and the United States continues through established diplomatic platforms, including ongoing engagements between the ANC and representatives from the US Embassy. “We call on the American administration to communicate through established diplomatic channels,” Bhengu said.

She added that the party maintains regular political dialogue with international partners on issues of mutual concern, including during global conflicts such as the Gaza war and the Russia Ukraine crisis. Bhengu said the ANC has continued to meet various country representatives, including officials from the American Embassy, despite international tensions.

The ANC expressed disappointment at what it described as repeated references by the US to conditions “that are not existing in South Africa”. The party said South Africa’s successful hosting of the recent G20 Summit demonstrated that allegations of instability or human rights abuses were unfounded, noting that global leaders, journalists and civil society organisations moved freely across the country throughout 2025 without observing any of the claims raised by US officials.

Bhengu called on South Africans to unite against disinformation, saying the ANC supports the government’s response to the latest statements from Washington and rejects unilateral narratives “peddled by the USA”.

Meanwhile, the ANC has condemned the military coup in Guinea Bissau, calling it an attack on democratic governance and a serious threat to regional stability. The party said the suspension of electoral processes following the presidential election undermines the will of the people and reverses progress made through decades of African integration and collective security.

The ANC aligned itself with ECOWAS and the African Union in rejecting attempts to subvert constitutional order and called for the swift restoration of civilian rule. Bhengu said the party stands in solidarity with the people of Guinea Bissau and remains committed to defending democratic governance across the continent.