The South African presidency has disclosed that France withdrew its invitation for the country to attend the upcoming G7 leaders’ summit, citing pressure from the United States.
The G7, which comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is scheduled to hold its summit in Évian-les-Bains, southeastern France, from June 15 to 17.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the South African presidency, stated that the decision was influenced by external pressure.
“The invitation was withdrawn by the French government due to sustained pressure from the US,” he said.
“That’s the communication we received from the French government.”
Earlier, an official within French President Emmanuel Macron’s office had indicated that South Africa was not included because Kenya would attend in its place, as Macron plans a visit to the East African nation in April.
The official also noted that other invited countries include India, South Korea, and Brazil.
Kenya’s principal secretary for foreign affairs confirmed that the country, alongside Mahmoud Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union Commission, had been invited to “articulate Africa’s perspective”.
The development follows months of strained relations between South Africa and the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Tensions escalated after Trump accused South Africa of allowing a “white genocide” during a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Oval Office last year — a claim firmly rejected by the South African leader.
In November, Trump also boycotted the G20 summit in Johannesburg, where Macron had initially extended the G7 invitation to Ramaphosa.