It has been claimed that the United States will boycott the upcoming G7 summit in France if South Africa is invited. South African Presidency Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed the allegation, turning the development into a new diplomatic flashpoint. Washington has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.
Ahead of the G7 summit to be held in France, the US is reported to have taken a striking stance. According to South African presidential officials who spoke to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, the Washington administration threatened to boycott the meeting if South African representatives are invited to the summit.
Confirmation from South Africa
In a statement from the office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the claims were confirmed. Presidency Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya responded “That is correct” when asked about the US boycott threat, officially verifying the crisis.
Tensions rise ahead of the G7 summit
The G7 summit in France had already been seen as a critical platform to address global economic and political developments. However, the possibility of a US boycott has escalated diplomatic tensions ahead of the meeting.