South African Leader responses to Trump’s comments on BRICS

(MENAFN) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday responded firmly to remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently warned of a 10% tariff on countries aligning with what he called the “anti-American policies” of the BRICS group. Speaking in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Ramaphosa rejected the notion of punishing nations for engaging in global cooperation.

“It cannot be that might should now be right,” he said, emphasizing that there should “never be vengeance, retribution” against countries working together to promote “the interests of humanity.”

Ramaphosa argued that BRICS should not be seen as a threat to existing institutions, but rather as one of several growing centers of global influence striving to enhance governance and development. He clarified that the bloc is not a competitor to organizations like the United Nations or the G20.

He described BRICS’ latest joint statement as “a beautiful declaration,” one that seeks to uplift people globally through collective progress.

The South African leader also highlighted that BRICS countries had jointly condemned Israel’s recent “unilateral” military strike on Iran and renewed their demand for a ceasefire in Gaza, stressing the urgent need to stop “the slaughter and the genocide of the Palestinians.”

Ramaphosa further noted increasing support for reforms to the United Nations Security Council, especially from the Global South and African nations. He said momentum is growing for changes to outdated international structures established nearly 80 years ago.

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