This decision adds fuel to the growing diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

Rubio voiced his discontent on X, stating, “I will NOT attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg. South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote ‘solidarity, equality, & sustainability.’ In other words: DEI and climate change. My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism.”

His boycott comes shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized South Africa for its land reform policy, accusing the country of unjust land seizures and mistreatment of certain groups. Trump also threatened to suspend U.S. aid, a significant move considering America has provided over $8 billion in bilateral aid to South Africa in the last two decades.

The controversy centers on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent signing of the Expropriation Act, a law designed to facilitate land redistribution by allowing the state to expropriate land in the public interest with equitable compensation. The legislation aims to rectify historical racial disparities in land ownership lingering since apartheid’s end in 1994.

Adding to the debate, tech mogul Elon Musk, a South African native and Trump ally, criticized the law as “openly racist ownership laws” in response to Ramaphosa’s defense of the policy. Ramaphosa countered these claims, affirming, “South Africa is a constitutional democracy rooted in the rule of law, justice, and equality. The government has not confiscated any land.

Ramaphosa further clarified, “The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the constitution.”

As tensions mount, Rubio’s absence from the G-20 summit highlights a deepening rift that could have far-reaching implications for U.S.-South Africa relations and international diplomatic dynamics.

The post Rubio’s G-20 Boycott Fuels U.S.-South Africa Clash Over Land Reform appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Bola Tinubu, the President, has assured the people of Rivers State that the federal government will soon address the deteriorated section of the Eleme Junction-Onne axis of the East-West Road, which connects the Port Harcourt refinery. This announcement came during a meeting with a high-powered delegation from Rivers State, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Tinubu praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his advisory role and commitment to addressing the road issue promptly. He emphasized that Wike, in addition to being the FCT Minister, serves as his advisor and is highly regarded.

During the meeting, the President expressed his belief in the potential of the South-South region, which possesses abundant human and natural resources. He emphasized that the region should not be associated with poverty, insecurity, or underdevelopment. Tinubu pledged to bring about positive and lasting change in the area during his leadership.

He welcomed the 62-member delegation, which included leaders from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and affirmed that Rivers State would always have direct access to him as they work together towards sustainable development.

Read Also: President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the Housing Sector

Tinubu encouraged patience among the younger generation with government processes, emphasizing his commitment to working diligently to create wealth for all Nigerians and reverse the trend of poverty. He concluded by pledging to uphold the trust Nigerians have placed in him.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara expressed gratitude to the President on behalf of the delegation, highlighting the positive impact of the federal government’s actions in Rivers State. He specifically mentioned the President’s appointments of capable individuals from the state and the approval of a $14 billion investment for projects nationwide, including the expansion of Indorama Petrochemicals in Eleme, Rivers State. The state also allocated 209 hectares of land to support this new investment.

In response to President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the infrastructure challenges faced by Rivers State, Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the federal government’s recognition of the state’s needs. He highlighted that the people of Rivers State voted for President Tinubu in the last general elections due to their belief in fairness, equity, and justice, and they are now experiencing the impact of the federal government’s actions more profoundly than ever before.

Furthermore, Governor Fubara commended the President for appointing several sons and daughters of Rivers State into strategic positions within his administration. These appointments have not only contributed to effective governance but also provided opportunities for the state’s residents to play a vital role in national development.

One of the major achievements mentioned was the $14 billion investment approval secured by President Tinubu during the G-20 Summit. This investment will fund projects nationwide, including the expansion of Indorama Petrochemicals in Eleme, Rivers State. The governor disclosed that the state had already allocated 209 hectares of land to support this significant development.

The meeting between President Tinubu and the Rivers State delegation demonstrated a commitment to collaboration and development, highlighting the federal government’s dedication to addressing infrastructure challenges and fostering economic growth in the region.

Source: AfricaHousingNews

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