Franco-Brazilian Support for Pretoria on the G20: Platitudes Amidst Trump's Intransigence

The international stage is abuzz with the question of South Africa's presence at the upcoming G20 summit, a debate reignited by the strong support shown by Brazil and, more cautiously, France. The exclusion of South Africa, a founding member of the G20, by then-US President Donald Trump on grounds of alleged violence against white farmers—accusations Pretoria vehemently denies—has sparked significant diplomatic maneuvering.

President Lula da Silva of Brazil has emerged as a staunch advocate for South Africa, publicly denouncing Trump's decision as illegitimate. During a summit in Barcelona and later in Hanover, Germany, Lula passionately defended his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, asserting that no single president has the right to exclude a member nation from the G20. This principled stance, characteristic of Lula's consistent defense of the vulnerable, stands in stark contrast to the silence of some other leaders, highlighting Brazil's commitment to multilateralism and equitable representation within global forums.

France, too, has voiced support for South Africa's participation, with its ambassador in Johannesburg stating that as a G20 founder, South Africa should attend all official meetings. However, this support is met with a degree of skepticism. Le Pays, reflecting a common sentiment in our region, notes that France's position appears somewhat opportunistic, especially considering its invitation to South Africa for the upcoming G7 summit—an event for which South Africa is not a member. This raises questions about the sincerity of Paris's commitment versus its strategic diplomatic interests. The situation underscores a broader tension: while Western powers may offer rhetorical support, the practical implications for South Africa's standing in global governance remain complex and subject to the shifting tides of international relations.

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Nous allons nous battre, Ramaphosa, pour que vous puissiez vous rendre au G20 aux Etats-Unis, car le président américain n’a pas le droit de vous exclure du G20, puisqu’il n’en est pas le propriétaire