(MENAFN) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded firmly on Monday after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose an extra 10 percent tariff on nations aligning themselves with the “anti-American polices” of the BRICS economic group.

Ramaphosa declared that “it cannot be that might should now be right,” emphasizing that power should not dictate what is considered just.

He stressed that there should “never be vengeance, retribution” directed at countries that seek collaboration and strive to promote “the interests of humanity.” Ramaphosa made these remarks during a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

According to Ramaphosa, the BRICS alliance should be recognized as one of several rising global power centers that aim to enhance governance and development.

He rejected the idea of BRICS as a competitor to established institutions like the United Nations and the G20.

He described the bloc’s most recent statement as “a beautiful declaration” with the goal of advancing the welfare of people worldwide.

Additionally, Ramaphosa mentioned that BRICS collectively condemned Israel’s “unilateral” strike on Iran and reaffirmed its demand for a ceasefire in Gaza “so that the slaughter and the genocide of the Palestinians should be stopped.”

He highlighted that calls from the Global South, especially from Africa, for reform of the UN Security Council are “gathering momentum,” as more nations acknowledge the urgency to update global governance systems that were created over 80 years ago.

When questioned about ongoing trade negotiations with the United States and the Trump administration’s “looming deadline,” Ramaphosa expressed optimism that Pretoria and Washington “will be able to reach an understanding.”

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