South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the ongoing global conflicts during a speech at a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting held in Johannesburg on Thursday. The summit saw the participation of foreign ministers from Russia, China, and other nations, though the U.S. notably did not attend due to growing tensions between Washington and Pretoria.
In his remarks, President Ramaphosa highlighted the devastating impact of numerous ongoing conflicts worldwide. “The conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, the violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the turmoil in the Sahel, and the ongoing violence in Gaza continue to exact a heavy human toll and increase global insecurity,” he stated.
Ramaphosa also expressed support for the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, describing it as a critical first step in alleviating the severe humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza. “South Africa welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas as a crucial first step towards ending the severe humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza,” he added, urging for continued diplomatic efforts toward lasting peace in the region.
The South African leader stressed the importance of international cooperation, calling on G20 members to unite and play a leading role in addressing global challenges. “The G20 needs to play a leading role in the global agenda for people, climate, and prosperity,” he declared. “As we strive towards a common purpose, cooperation remains our greatest strength. Through constructive engagement, we should seek common ground and use the G20 to set the coordinates for a new cause for human progress.”
The meeting also saw the participation of representatives from the European Union, United Nations, and the African Union, all of whom attended in solidarity to discuss the world’s most pressing conflicts. Ramaphosa’s speech underscored the necessity of collaboration and peaceful resolution in tackling the multiple crises impacting the global community. The meeting in Johannesburg reflects growing concerns about the state of international relations and the need for stronger diplomatic efforts to address conflicts in regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Africa.
As the G20 foreign ministers continue their discussions, the global focus remains on finding sustainable solutions to these crises while fostering greater cooperation among world powers.
