SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged BRICS nations to leverage their platform to improve living conditions across the Global South, while calling for urgent action to address conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and other regions.
Speaking at the conclusion of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Ramaphosa emphasized that the BRICS platform should be used “to contribute to social, economic and cultural development of our peoples.”
The South African leader welcomed Russian initiatives aimed at strengthening transport networks and connectivity between BRICS nations, noting that such projects could help “integrate and deepen our interconnectedness in new and imaginative ways.”
Highlighting African development initiatives, Ramaphosa pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area as a key opportunity for both local and global businesses. “It will create a number of opportunities that will lead to an integrated and connected continent,” he said.
However, Ramaphosa stressed that economic progress requires stability, expressing deep concern about ongoing conflicts. He particularly highlighted South Africa’s stance on the Gaza conflict, which his government has characterized as genocide and brought before the International Court of Justice.
“The world cannot sit by and watch the suffering,” Ramaphosa declared, calling for a two-state solution in line with international law and UN resolutions.
The president also drew attention to the “horrific conflict and devastation” in Sudan, which he described as “another conflict the world seems to have forgotten about.”
Emphasizing the importance of peaceful resolution to conflicts, Ramaphosa concluded that BRICS nations must “continue to support nations and peoples who seek to end the cycle of conflict and choose the path of peace.”
The BRICS Summit, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with representatives from other emerging market economies.
