Ramaphosa Criticizes Lack of Consensus at G20 Amidst Geopolitical Tensions; US Official Skips Meeting

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa voiced concerns about the lack of consensus within the G20 regarding responses to critical global issues. Speaking at the opening of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa noted that increasing intolerance threatens global cooperation. The meeting occurred amidst geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and wars. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not attend the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, citing disagreement with South Africa's land reform law and concerns about its stance on allies like Israel. Rubio also accused the G20 format of fostering anti-American sentiment. Instead of attending the Johannesburg meeting, Rubio held bilateral talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss ending the conflict in Ukraine. The G20 comprises 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union, representing approximately 80% of the world's population and over 85% of global economic power.