The Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) has expressed its concerns over United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision to boycott the G20 Summit in South Africa, saying the move undermines the spirit of global cooperation and dismisses Africa’s crucial role in addressing pressing global challenges, including climate change.

It a statement, PACJA referred to reports that it said indicate that Rubio justified his decision by citing concerns over South Africa’s geopolitical stance, particularly its positions on Russia-Ukraine relations, Israel-Palestine, and its membership in BRICS.

According to Rubio, South Africa’s foreign policy choices “do not align with US interests,” making high-level diplomatic engagement untenable” but PACJA holds that the rationale is deeply flawed and sets a dangerous precedent.

“The G20 is a platform for multilateral dialogue, not an arena for ideological ultimatums and tantrums that have become characteristic of President Donald Trump’s administration. Africa, and South Africa in particular, has every right to define its foreign policy based on its national interests and historical context,” it added.

According to PACJA, the idea that African nations must adhere to Washington’s geopolitical preferences as a precondition for engagement is a remnant of outdated power dynamics that have long hindered truly equitable international relations.

“More critically, this boycott sends a damaging signal on global climate action. Africa is the least
responsible for climate change but the most affected, and its role in global governance forums like the
G20 is essential for shaping fair and just climate solutions. By refusing to engage, the US risks further
eroding its credibility as a partner in the fight for climate justice, particularly in Africa, where 630
million people still lack electricity and climate finance remains a broken promise,” the statement added.

It quotes Dr Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of PACJA, as stating: “This decision is disappointing and
regrettable. Africa is not a passive player in global affairs, and dismissing its role in critical platforms
like the G20 only deepens existing inequalities. We urge all global partners, including the United States,
to engage constructively and recognise Africa as a vital stakeholder in shaping solutions to shared
challenges.”

“African leaders must not be intimidated by diplomatic theatrics. Instead, this moment calls for a
renewed push for a truly multipolar world order in which Africa is not treated as a spectator but as an
equal player in global decision-making. It is time for Africa to deepen South-South cooperation,
strengthen intra-African trade and investment, and demand accountability from all global partners—
including the US—on their climate, SDGs, and development commitments,” said PACJA.

It added that Africa’s future must not be held hostage to Washington’s political calculations.

“We call on African governments to stand firm, defend their sovereignty, and insist on mutual respect in global diplomacy. The world cannot tackle climate change, energy poverty, and global inequality without Africa. Those
who choose to disengage do so at their own peril.”