South Africa beefs up security on streets, bracing for G20 summit protests

A weekly round-up of stories from Africa with Georja Calvin-Smith highlights the update of a significant book detailing the continent's historical contributions. The report also notes the troubling decline of South Africa's household help sector, which has lost approximately 400,000 jobs in five years. Additionally, there are increasing reports of civilian suffering amid the RSF's conflict to control El Fasher in Darfur.

Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of the G20 as a vital platform for promoting British business, despite Donald Trump's decision to boycott the summit in South Africa. Starmer's remarks highlight the ongoing relevance of the G20 in global economic discussions.

Keir Starmer has defended his trip to South Africa for the G20 summit, which takes place just days before the budget announcement. The Prime Minister aims to secure investment to address the cost of living crisis and bolster support for Ukraine. His attendance comes despite the absence of Donald Trump, who has chosen to boycott the summit.

The COP30 climate summit in Brazil was disrupted on Thursday due to a fire that broke out at the venue, leading to the evacuation of attendees. Thirteen individuals were treated for smoke inhalation as organizers managed the chaotic situation. The incident occurred while negotiators were preparing to finalize a deal aimed at enhancing global climate action.

Al-Majd Europe, the organization responsible for a flight transporting Palestinians from Gaza to South Africa, has publicly addressed the situation for the first time. The flight has raised significant concerns regarding the circumstances of the evacuation and the motivations behind it.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced his intention to present a fossil fuel transition roadmap at the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg. Despite facing opposition from some petrostates, Lula expressed his commitment to advocate for the phase-out of oil, coal, and gas during the discussions at Cop30 in Belém.

French President Emmanuel Macron commenced a five-day tour of Africa, starting in Mauritius and continuing to South Africa, Gabon, and Angola. This trip marks a shift in French diplomacy following the withdrawal of French forces from the Sahel region, aiming to strengthen ties with African nations.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the United States has reversed its decision to boycott the G20 summit in Johannesburg. However, he did not confirm whether former President Donald Trump, who previously indicated he would not attend, would now participate.