France has withdrawn South Africa's invitation to the Group of Seven (G7) summit in June, removing Africa's most industrialized country from the multilateral forum of the world's seven largest advanced economies.
Pretoria was informed of the decision weeks ago through the French Embassy, according to presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya, who confirmed the withdrawal on Business Day.
“The summit is in June and we were informed through the embassy a few (weeks ago),” Magwenya said. “We have accepted France's decision and appreciate the pressure it is placing on them.
“There is no need to seek further clarification. South Africa will always endeavor to resolve disputes through constructive dialogue, regardless of the position taken by the other party.”
The admission that France faced external pressure in rescinding the invitation raises questions about which G7 members might have objected to South Africa's inclusion.
South Africa's non-aligned foreign policy, including a genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice, has strained relations between it and the United States.
France, which holds the presidency of the G7, is hosting the summit in Evian-les-Bains. Brazil and India have been confirmed as guest nations. Other non-G7 members on the guest list include South Korea and Kenya.
Relations between Pretoria and Washington have deteriorated sharply under the Trump administration, with the US cutting aid to South Africa last year and Pretoria refusing to attend the 2026 G20 forum. The US holds the presidency of the G20 in 2026, succeeding South Africa, which chaired the forum last year.
South Africa holds the presidency of the G20 in 2025, using the platform for African debt relief and development financing.
The French Embassy in Pretoria had not responded to queries by the time of publication.
