South Africa disinvited to G7 summit in France

The decision was made after the US threatened to boycott the group’s meeting if Pretoria was invited, an official has said

South Africa has accused France of withdrawing an invitation for President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend a Group of Seven (G7) gathering in June following pressure from the US. Paris has denied the claims of yielding to Washington’s influence.

The G7 comprises major advanced economies, including France, the US, UK, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada. It typically invites a number of non-member countries to attend selected sessions. South Africa, widely considered Africa’s most advanced and industrialized economy, attended the group’s outreach summit in Canada last June, where Ramaphosa took part as a guest.

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Pretoria said it had initially been invited to take part in the group’s meeting, which France is set to host from June 15 to 17.

On Thursday, Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the president, told AFP that “the Americans threatened to boycott the G7 if South Africa was invited.”

France invites Kenya in place of South Africa

In response, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that Paris “yielded to no pressure” but opted for a “streamlined G7” and invited Kenya instead to assist in preparing for the Africa-France summit in Nairobi in May.

“We are, of course, in close contact with South Africa, which remains an essential partner of France on all major global issues,” Barrot told reporters at a G7 ministers summit in Paris.

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Deteriorating US-South Africa relations

Relations between Washington and Pretoria have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump took office in January 2025. Trump and senior members of his administration have repeatedly accused the South African government of failing to align with Washington on key international issues, particularly over Pretoria’s genocide case against Israel regarding the war in Gaza.

The US boycotted the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg last November over allegations that the African country allows “horrific” abuses against its white minority.

Trump has stated that South Africa will not be invited to the G20 summit in Miami later this year, saying it is not “worthy” of membership “anywhere.”

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White House denies involvement in French G7 decision

Commenting on the French decision to exclude South Africa from the G7 meeting, a White House official, cited by multiple outlets including Reuters, denied US involvement in the move.

“After discussions among G7 members, it was collectively decided that Kenya should be invited to the summit. The United States welcomes Kenya’s participation,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

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Ramaphosa responds to exclusion

Ramaphosa later stated that while South Africa’s exclusion was not surprising, he has been informed that there was “no pressure from any country.” 

“There are so many countries around the world that don’t get invited to the G7. And remember, South Africa is not a member,” he added.