France has dismissed claims that the United States played a role in excluding South Africa from this year’s G7 summit, after Pretoria alleged it had been informed that Washington threatened to boycott the gathering.
French authorities instead explained that Kenya was chosen to represent Africa following discussions among G7 members, ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled trip to Nairobi in May.
The summit, planned for June in Evian-les-Bains, will host leaders from India, Brazil, and South Korea as guest nations alongside G7 countries. South Africa, which has often been invited in recent years, was not included this time.
South Africa’s presidency stated that the French embassy indicated the U.S. had raised objections to its participation.
“We’ve accepted the French decision and appreciate the pressure they’ve been subjected to,” spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.
Paris, however, refuted that version of events, maintaining that the decision was independent of U.S. influence. A White House representative also noted that Kenya’s invitation resulted from internal G7 consultations, without directly commenting on South Africa’s omission.
The disagreement highlights growing tensions between the United States and South Africa.
Donald Trump has frequently criticised Pretoria’s foreign policy stance and domestic legislation, and previously skipped a G20 summit in Johannesburg while excluding the country from certain G20-related engagements this year.
France had originally intended to centre the G7 meeting on long-term economic concerns, including risks of a global financial downturn.
Officials aimed to encourage China to stimulate domestic consumption, while pressing the U.S. to cut deficits and Europe to ramp up production.
However, these priorities may be overshadowed by the escalating situation involving Iran, which has raised fears about global energy supplies and economic stability.
A French presidential adviser noted uncertainty over how the Iran crisis will evolve by June, adding that its impact will likely dominate discussions regardless of developments.
The situation has also revealed fractures within the G7. Although member states remain close allies of the U.S., they have not fully aligned with its position, instead urging caution. As a result, leaders are not expected to release a joint communiqué after the summit.
China, which is not part of the G7 and has previously criticised the bloc as a “club of wealthy nations,” will not be present, though French officials said engagement with Beijing will continue outside the summit framework.
Kenya’s invitation reflects a changing dynamic in African representation at global forums, as geopolitical interests increasingly influence diplomatic decisions.