South Africa Says President Will Not Hand G20 To US Embassy Official

The White House has accused South Africa of "weaponizing" its G20 presidency, saying it undermines the group's founding principles. According to White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly, President Cyril Ramaphosa pushed through a leaders' declaration on climate change and global issues "despite consistent and robust U.S. objections." South Africa has rejected Washington's demand to hand over the G20 presidency to a U.S. chargé d'affaires. Ramaphosa has framed the move as standing up to U.S. "bullying," arguing that the summit's significance demands respect and equality.