"France Doing America's Bidding" South Africa Dropped from G7 Invite List

France’s decision to invite Kenya rather than South Africa to the June 2026 G7 summit has triggered a diplomatic dispute. French officials denied that South Africa’s exclusion was linked to pressure from Washington, countering earlier claims from Pretoria.

South African presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya had said the French embassy indicated the U.S. threatened to boycott the summit if South Africa attended, adding: “We’ve accepted the French decision and appreciate the pressure they’ve been subjected to.”

A French official rejected that account, stating the decision was part of host prerogatives and that Kenya had been selected ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s planned visit there in May for a two-day summit.

France confirmed that India, South Korea, Brazil and Kenya would attend the June 15-17 summit in Evian-les-Bains. G7 hosts traditionally invite external partners, with African representation varying year to year.

A White House official supported France’s explanation, stating: “After discussion among G7 members, it was collectively determined that Kenya should be invited.”

The official added that the U.S. “welcomes Kenya’s participation,” without directly addressing South Africa’s exclusion.

South Africa has been a regular guest at previous G7 summits, making its omission notable. U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized South Africa’s foreign policy and domestic legislation, and boycotted the 2025 G20 summit in Johannesburg while excluding the country from G20-related meetings in 2026.

France had intended to focus the summit on macroeconomic coordination, including urging China to boost domestic demand and calling on the U.S. to reduce deficits. These priorities risk being overshadowed by the Iran crisis and its energy and financial implications.

“We don’t know where the Iran crisis will be by June,” a Macron adviser said. “However it evolves, we will have to address its energy and economic consequences.”

China continues to question the G7’s legitimacy as a “club of rich countries.” French officials indicated outreach would occur through separate channels.

The invited countries were described as democracies and market economies aligned with international cooperation norms, reinforcing the G7’s positioning amid debates over its relevance in a shifting global order.