South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been disinvited from the upcoming G7 summit in Evian, France, in June, the South African presidency confirmed Thursday, citing pressure from the United States.
Vincent Magwenya, the president’s spokesperson, told AFP that France withdrew the invitation after “sustained pressure” from the US, with officials reportedly warning that America would boycott the summit if South Africa attended.
The move comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and South Africa, which have included trade disputes, high tariffs, and criticism of South Africa’s racial justice policies. Last year, Trump imposed 30-percent tariffs on most South African exports, the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, though the US Supreme Court has since overruled the policy.
Relations have also been strained over South Africa’s international stances, including its move to take Israel to the International Court of Justice over alleged genocide in Gaza. During the G20 summit in Johannesburg, French President Emmanuel Macron personally invited Ramaphosa to the G7, an invitation that has now been rescinded.
The South African presidency emphasised that the development “will have no impact on the strength and close nature of our bilateral relationship with France” and reaffirmed Pretoria’s commitment to constructive engagement with the United States.
Magwenya added, “The diplomatic relationship between the USA and South Africa predate the Trump administration and they will outlive the current White House term of office.”
The disinvitation highlights the influence of US foreign policy on global forums and underscores the diplomatic balancing act faced by South Africa in managing relations with major powers while pursuing its national and international policy objectives.
