Last-minute US reversal: Washington signals possible attendance at G20 Johannesburg

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday that the United States has softened its stance and may yet participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. He said Pretoria had received a late-hour communication from Washington indicating a “change of mind … about participating in one shape, form or another.”

Ramaphosa called the development a “positive sign,” arguing that boycott politics do not work. But he also cautioned that detailed discussions are still underway about how the U.S. presence at the summit would be structured, given that the invitation came so late.

The US had previously vowed to skip the summit entirely. President Donald Trump cited alleged human rights abuses in South Africa, particularly claims about the treatment of white citizens, as justification for the boycott.

In a recent diplomatic note, Washington warned Pretoria not to issue a full G20 leaders’ declaration without its involvement, arguing that South Africa’s priorities “run counter” to US policy views.

Despite this shift, Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa would not be intimidated, insisting that a declaration should emerge from the summit and that the country would resist any pressure to dilute its agenda.