Pretoria, South Africa – (African Boulevard News) – The Foreign Ministers of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) countries met in Pretoria on Wednesday to discuss a range of issues, including the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, the situation in Syria, and strengthening cooperation within the bloc. However, the meeting was overshadowed by protests and calls for the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was attending the summit.
Activists from South Africa and other African countries staged protests outside the summit venue, calling for Putin’s arrest on charges of war crimes in Syria and Ukraine. The activists accused Putin of supporting the Assad regime in Syria, which has been accused of using chemical weapons against civilians, and of invading Ukraine and annexing Crimea.
South Africa, a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has faced criticism for its close diplomatic ties with Moscow, which some argue have shielded Russia from international condemnation for its actions. Earlier this year, South Africa opposed a UN resolution calling for an investigation into the use of chemical weapons in Syria, drawing criticism from human rights groups.
Despite the protests, the BRICS Foreign Ministers issued a joint statement calling for “respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of all states, and for the resolution of disputes through peaceful means.” The statement also called for the strengthening of multilateralism and the rule of law in international affairs.
Commenting on the meeting, South African Foreign Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said that BRICS countries had an important role to play in promoting a more just and equitable world order. “We are committed to working together to address the challenges facing our countries and the world, including poverty, inequality, and climate change,” she said.
However, critics argue that BRICS countries, including Russia, have failed to live up to their promises of promoting democratic values and human rights. “BRICS countries have been criticized for their lack of commitment to human rights and democratic values, and their failure to hold each other accountable for violations of these values,” says Human Rights Watch.
Despite these challenges, some analysts argue that BRICS countries have the potential to challenge the dominance of Western powers in global affairs. “The BRICS countries represent a significant shift in the balance of power in the global economy and politics,” says economist Jim O’Neill.
In conclusion, the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting provided an opportunity for member countries to strengthen cooperation and address regional and global challenges. However, the protests and calls for Putin’s arrest highlight the challenges facing the bloc in promoting democratic values and human rights. The outcome of the summit underscores the need for BRICS countries to prioritize these values and work towards a more just and equitable world order.
