South Africa quietly handed over the G20 presidency to the United States in a low-profile exchange at Pretoria’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, breaking from the usual ceremonial tradition. The understated handover, conducted between a senior South African official and the US chargé d’affaires, followed diplomatic tensions over US representation at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. South Africa had objected to Washington’s plan to send a junior diplomat to receive the symbolic gavel, arguing it breached protocol that traditionally involves heads of state. The discreet arrangement allowed the US to assume the G20 presidency without a public clash, helping preserve bilateral respect and ensuring leadership continuity within the G20 framework.
Business Insider Africa
