France, Jan. 27 -- The climate of tension has been growing since January 2025, climaxing last November, when US President Donald Trump boycotted the G20 summit held in South Africa, accusing the country of pursuing policies hostile to American interests.

Trump had even said that South Africa - which in 2025 became the first African country to chair the forum - would not be invited to US-hosted events in 2026.

To appease Washington,South Africa's Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, confirmed that the country will step back from its G20 engagements during the United States presidency of the grouping.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos,Switzerland last week, he described the decision as a "temporary setback". 'A rational ...