“We’ll not be bullied” – Ramaphosa defies US boycott at G20 Summit

• US skips Johannesburg G20 despite hosting next year
• Ramaphosa rejects pressure to block joint declaration

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed that G20 leaders “will not be bullied” as the United States confirmed it will not participate in this weekend’s summit on African soil.

The White House pushed back after Ramaphosa suggested Washington had “changed its mind.” Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US would send only a diplomatic team to the closing handover ceremony – recognising that America will host next year’s G20 at President Donald Trump’s Doral golf club in Florida – but would not take part in negotiations.