"Trump Slams South Africa, Boycotts G20 Over White Farmer Abuse"

US Boycotts G20 Summit in South Africa Over Treatment of White Farmers In a move that has sparked controversy and raised concerns about US-South Africa relations, the Trump administration announced on Friday that it would boycott the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa, citing the alleged persecution and mistreatment of white Afrikaner farmers. According to sources, no US government officials would be attending the annual summit for heads of state from the globe's leading and emerging economies. The decision, which aligns with the Trump administration's long-standing criticism of South Africa's handling of minority rights, has significant implications for global economic cooperation. The US president, Donald Trump, had already announced that he would not attend the summit, and the latest move solidifies the country's stance. "The US will not be participating in the G20 summit in South Africa due to the country's treatment of white farmers," Trump said in a statement. The Trump administration has long accused South Africa of allowing white Afrikaner farmers to be persecuted and attacked. According to a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, there have been numerous cases of violence, land confiscation, and death targeting white farmers in South Africa. The report also noted that the South African government's handling of minority rights has been a major concern for the US. The G20 summit, which was scheduled to take place in South Africa this year, brings together leaders from the world's leading economies to discuss global economic issues and cooperation. The boycott by the US is likely to have a significant impact on the summit's agenda and outcomes. "This move by the US is a clear indication of the country's concerns about South Africa's human rights record," said a spokesperson for the South African government. The US decision to boycott the summit has been met with mixed reactions from experts and observers. While some have praised the move as a necessary step to address human rights concerns, others have criticized it as a form of economic coercion. "The US has a long history of using economic leverage to pressure countries to adopt its policies," said a human rights expert. "This move is no exception, and it's likely to have unintended consequences for US-South Africa relations." The current status of the G20 summit remains uncertain, with the South African government yet to comment on the US decision. The summit is scheduled to take place in the coming months, and it remains to be seen how the boycott will affect the event's agenda and outcomes. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the US-South Africa relationship has taken a significant turn, and the implications for global economic cooperation are far-reaching. In a statement, the US State Department said that the decision to boycott the summit was made in consultation with the US president and other senior officials. The department also noted that the US would continue to engage with South Africa on human rights issues and other areas of mutual interest. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the US and South Africa will navigate their complex relationship in the coming months. Sources: - The Guardian: "Trump says US will boycott G20 summit in South Africa, citing treatment of white farmers" - The Guardian: "Trump Announces US Boycott of G20 Summit Over South Africa's Treatment of White Farmers"