South Africa’s presidency has indicated that an invitation for President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend the upcoming G7 Summit has been withdrawn by France, reportedly following diplomatic pressure from the United States.
According to presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, South African authorities were informed that the decision was influenced by sustained pressure from Washington. He noted that the United States had allegedly indicated it might reconsider its participation in the summit if South Africa remained on the guest list.
Relations between Washington and Pretoria have experienced increasing strain over the past year, driven by differences on key international issues. Notably, the United States has expressed strong opposition to South Africa’s legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, concerning the conflict in Gaza.
Additionally, remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding South Africa’s white Afrikaner minority have further contributed to tensions. Trump has alleged that the group faces persecution, a claim that has been widely contested by South African officials.
While no formal statement has been issued by France or the United States regarding the reported withdrawal, the development highlights the growing geopolitical complexities shaping international diplomatic engagements.
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