G-20 Foreign Ministers Convene in South Africa Amidst Geopolitical Tensions and US Absence

G-20 foreign ministers are meeting for two days in South Africa, marking the first time the talks are held in Africa. The meeting precedes a larger G-20 summit in November. South Africa assumed the G-20 presidency last year, aiming to amplify the voices of poorer nations. The forum comprises 19 countries, the EU, and the African Union, representing over 80% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population. The U.S. will not participate in the discussions, with Acting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio citing an "anti-American" agenda. Wars and conflicts in Africa and Europe are expected to be key discussion points. Tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine and divisions between the U.S. and its European partners are also concerns. Russia, China, and India confirmed their participation. The U.S. will be represented by the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, Dana Brown. Analysts suggest the U.S. absence sends a message that the U.S. does not take Africa seriously. This follows recent U.S. aid freezes to Africa and disputes over land ownership policies and South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will also not attend the G-20 finance ministers meeting in Cape Town next week.