US Secretary of State Rubio announces he will not attend G20 Summit: Cites land law

South Africa has enacted a law that provides for the repossession of land 'in cases deemed necessary' from white owners who seized 70 percent of the country's agricultural land during the racist Apartheid regime. US Secretary of State Rubio noted that he would not attend the G20 Summit to be held in South Africa due to the dispute between the two countries over the land law.

Secretary of State Rubio made a statement on the matter via his X social media account. US President Donald Trump announced that he would suspend funds to South Africa, alleging that the country is 'seizing land' and treating certain segments 'very badly.' Following this development, Rubio stated in his announcement that he would not attend the G20 Summit to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on February 20-21.

Regarding his decision not to attend the summit in South Africa, Rubio stated the following:

''My job is to advance the national interests of the US, not to waste taxpayers' money or indulge anti-Americanism.''

It was stated that the country is 'ready' against the possibility of Trump imposing sanctions on South Africa Source: Sunday Times

LAND LAW IN SOUTH AFRICA

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation of Land Bill on January 24. The new law has caused controversy on the grounds that it grants the authority for 'expropriation without compensation' to accelerate land redistribution.

US President Trump announced that he would suspend all funds to South Africa, citing the seizure of land and the mistreatment of certain segments as the reason.

In a written statement from the South African Presidency, it was stated that the country is a constitutional democracy deeply committed to the rule of law, justice, and equality, and it was emphasized that 'the South African government has not seized any land.'

It was reported that Ramaphosa held a phone call with American businessman and owner of X, Elon Musk, to calm the dispute with the US administration over the new land law in South Africa.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

News Source: AA