Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stronger multilateralism and coordinated peace diplomacy
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged BRICS nations to play a more assertive role in mediating global conflicts and reshaping international governance.
Speaking at the opening session of the 17th BRICS Summit, currently underway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Ramaphosa emphasized the critical need for diplomatic engagement to resolve ongoing conflicts.
“We remain deeply concerned by the heavy human toll of conflicts in Russia and Ukraine, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Gaza, among others,” he said. BRICS “must find just and lasting solutions to these devasting conflicts,” the South African leader added.
Ramaphosa’s remarks come amid mounting frustration among Global South nations over the perceived ineffectiveness of existing global institutions in resolving major crises. Speaking at a previous BRICS summit, he argued that “peace and security across the world require the collective will of the community of nations.”
Ramaphosa said that BRICS, by virtue of its geographical reach and increasing geopolitical relevance, is well positioned to push for reform on matters of global governance. He urged the bloc to strengthen its collective voice in calling for “a global framework that is inclusive, representative, and anchored in the principles of sovereignty, equality, and peaceful coexistence.”
He also highlighted the need for enhanced BRICS security cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and transnational crime, issues that increasingly transcend national borders and require coordinated global responses.
In recent years, BRICS nations have sought to expand their role in international diplomacy. In 2024, China and Brazil jointly proposed a peace plan to resolve the Ukraine conflict, which was supported by other BRICS members, including South Africa. In addition, Pretoria has taken a vocal stance in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and has supported international efforts to hold parties accountable for violations of humanitarian law.
BRICS was established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining two years later. Over the past year, the group has extended full membership to Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
