US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that he will not attend the upcoming G20 meeting in South Africa, scheduled for February 20-21. This decision comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and South Africa over the latter's newly enacted land expropriation law.
Rubio cited South Africa's controversial land expropriation law as the primary reason for his boycott. The law, which allows local, provincial, and national authorities to expropriate land in the public interest and in specific cases without compensation, has drawn criticism from the Trump administration. Rubio stated on social media, "South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote 'solidarity, equality, & sustainability.' In other words: DEI and climate change. My job is to advance America's national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism."
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the land policy, emphasizing that it is not a confiscation instrument but a constitutionally mandated legal process aimed at ensuring equitable public access to land. The South African government has also stated that it has not confiscated any land and that the law is designed to address historical racial disparities in land ownership.
Rubio's decision to boycott the G20 meeting highlights the growing rift between the United States and South Africa. President Donald Trump has also criticized South Africa's land policy and threatened to cut off funding to the country. This move could have significant implications for bilateral relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.
As the G20 meeting approaches, the international community will be watching closely to see how these tensions unfold. The decision by Rubio not to attend the meeting underscores the challenges of navigating complex issues such as land reform and international diplomacy.
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