President Ramaphosa Hails Expanded BRICS Bloc as a 'Beacon of Hope' for Global South

On the Israel-Palestine conflict, the President condemned Israel’s actions, referencing the International Court of Justice’s stance on preventing genocide.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the BRICS bloc, now expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, as a symbol of hope for the Global South. Speaking at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, he highlighted the bloc’s growing influence, representing 3% of the global population, 32% of the world’s land, 35% of global GDP, and 20% of world exports.

President Ramaphosa stressed that the BRICS alliance demonstrates the power of cooperation over competition, and urged the group to use its collective voice to advance global reforms, particularly in addressing international conflicts. He called for reform of the UN Security Council, noting that it has failed in its mandate to maintain global peace and security, especially in representing the interests of the wider global community.

On the Israel-Palestine conflict, the President condemned Israel’s actions, referencing the International Court of Justice’s stance on preventing genocide. Ramaphosa called on the international community to fulfil its responsibility to promote Palestinian self-determination, warning that lasting peace can only be achieved when Palestinians attain statehood, justice, and freedom. He reiterated South Africa’s grave concerns about the ongoing violence, emphasizing the need for an inclusive and representative UN Security Council.

Ramaphosa concluded by urging BRICS to lead the charge for a new multipolar world order and to continue its role as a force for global change.