BRICS nations have thrown weight behind SA's genocide case against Israel

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa says BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) nations have thrown their weight behind South Africa’s genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

South Africa is due to lodge its main arguments in the case it launched almost a year ago next week.

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Ramaphosa said the world could not afford a region-wide escalation of the conflict, which has been raging for more than a year.

Over the past week, Ramaphosa has used public platforms at the BRICS Summit to denounce Israel’s military attacks on Gaza and to call for a two-state solution.

He has also spoken out about wars on the continent, including those in Sudan and the Great Lakes region.

However, he has been notably silent on Russia’s war in Ukraine, referring to the country as an ally of South Africa.

"All of them welcomed the stance that has been taken by South Africa in relation to Palestine," the president said.

Ramaphosa said that this week’s summit, which included new members such as Egypt, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was successful in strengthening multilateralism and the global south.

Ramaphosa also had bilateral meetings with the leaders of these countries and with Congo-Brazzaville.

"South Africa continues to be seen as playing a critical role in advancing our own national interests but also the interests of the Global South," he said.

Ramaphosa said he was looking forward to the G20 Summit in Brazil in November, where the baton will be handed to him to take charge in 2025.