Cyril Ramaphosa raised concerns about global conflicts during a gathering of G20 foreign ministers in Johannesburg. The meeting, held on Thursday, included representatives from Russia and China, while the United States was notably absent due to ongoing tensions with South Africa.
In his address, the South African president highlighted the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, emphasizing that “the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, the violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the situation in Sudan, the Sahel, and Gaza continue to impose a significant human cost and exacerbate global insecurity.”
He expressed South Africa’s support for the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, describing it as a vital initial step towards alleviating the severe humanitarian crisis affecting the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Furthermore, Ramaphosa urged attendees to recognize the G20’s potential to lead on critical global issues, stating, “The G20 must take a proactive role in addressing the global agenda concerning people, climate, and prosperity. As we work towards a shared goal, it is essential to remember that our greatest strength lies in cooperation. We should strive to identify common ground through constructive dialogue. The G20 has the capacity to chart a new course for human advancement.”
Representatives from the European Union, United Nations, and African Union were also present at the meeting.
