France Withdraws South Africa's G-7 Summit Invitation

South Africa's invitation to the G-7 summit, scheduled for June 15-17 in Vian le Bain, France, was withdrawn by the French government following sustained pressure from the United States. Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, confirmed the withdrawal of the invitation, which was initially extended by French President Emmanuel Macron.

The G-7 comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Macron had planned to invite Ramaphosa to represent African perspectives at the summit.

In a related context, South Africa was not invited to the G-7, while Kenya was invited instead. This decision comes amid escalating tensions between South Africa and the U.S., particularly following accusations from former U.S.

President Donald Trump regarding alleged white genocide in South Africa. Ramaphosa had previously rejected these claims during a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office last year.