Johannesburg – Foreign ministers from G20 countries will convene in Johannesburg on Thursday, but the absence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlights the diplomatic strains between the United States and South Africa.

While top diplomats such as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are confirmed to attend, the U.S. will be represented by Dana Brown, the acting ambassador to South Africa. Major global bodies, including the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), and African Union (AU), will also be present.

Rubio’s decision to skip the meeting follows President Donald Trump's executive order suspending foreign aid to South Africa, citing a law the White House claims discriminates against the country's white minority. Additionally, the U.S. has expressed dissatisfaction with South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Despite Rubio’s absence, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola clarified that it does not amount to a full boycott. "The U.S. will be represented in Johannesburg in one form or another," Lamola stated.

Adding to the diplomatic tension, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also declined to attend next week’s G20 finance ministers’ meeting in South Africa, citing commitments in Washington. A senior Treasury official will attend on his behalf.

Political analysts suggest these absences signal strained U.S.-South Africa relations. "If the treasury secretary chooses not to attend, it's a significant indication of the U.S. administration’s stance," said analyst Daniel Bradlow.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to open the summit under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” Rubio has criticized this theme, labeling it part of a “diversity, equality, and inclusion” agenda, which the Trump administration opposes.

As the G20 presidency shifts to South Africa for 2025, the country plans to host over 130 working group meetings and 23 ministerial-level gatherings this year. The U.S. is scheduled to assume the G20 presidency in 2026.