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U.S.-South Africa rift complicates Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg

Pretoria's ambitious agenda for the G-20 focuses on inclusive growth, food security, AI, debt relief, and climate finance.

Panyaza Lesufi, Premier of South Africa's Gauteng Province, at right, briefs South Africa's Minister of the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, at left, and other officials.
Panyaza Lesufi, Premier of South Africa's Gauteng Province, at right, briefs South Africa's Minister of the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, at left, and other officials on Johannesburg suburb Nasrec's readiness for the G-20 Leaders Summit in November. (AN/Jairus Mmutle/GCIS)

Diplomatic tensions between the United States and South Africa are overshadowing preparations for the Group of 20 summit in November that South Africa will host for the first time on the African continent.

The preparations, more than mid-way through South Africa's G-20 presidency for 2025, face challenges as U.S. President Donald Trump offers mixed signals on his attendance and his administration reportedly scales back G-20 cooperation.

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