Published on April 1, 2026
French officials have firmly denied accusations made of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa suggesting that France excluded South Africa from the list of invitees to the upcoming G7 summit in Paris. These claims allege that the decision was made under pressure from the United States, which has been a point of contention in diplomatic discussions.
In a statement released on Thursday, French representatives clarified that Kenya has been invited to participate in the summit, set to take place in June. They emphasized that the selection process for invitees was not influenced , particularly from Washington, and described the accusations as unfounded.
The G7 summit, which brings together leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, also extends invitations to select guest countries. This year, various nations from Africa were expected to be considered for participation, heightening the stakes for regional diplomacy.
President Ramaphosa’s office had expressed disappointment over South Africa’s exclusion, implying that it undermined the country’s role and contributions on the global stage, particularly in contexts like climate change and economic development. South Africa, as a leading nation in Africa, has sought greater involvement in international decision-making forums.
French officials assert that the invitation to Kenya reflects the G7’s commitment to engaging with diverse perspectives from the continent. They reiterated that their diplomatic relationships remain strong and collaborative, and that France values its partnership with South Africa.
The incident has reignited discussions about the dynamics of global diplomacy, particularly as major powers navigate their interests in Africa. Observers are now watching closely to see how this situation will influence France’s relations with both South Africa and the broader African continent during the summit and beyond.