The Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) do not intend to sit idly by what is happening in the Gaza Strip: they have decided to organize a virtual meeting on Tuesday to discuss the conflict. An extraordinary summit under the leadership of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who currently chairs the Brics.
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United to denounce an international order that they consider dominated by the West. The five Brics countries will discuss together in this virtual meeting the current conflict: a war which draws a divide between Southern and Western countries, the latter being criticized for their positions considered too favorable to Israel. China and Russia can thus hope to take advantage of all the accusations from their great American rival and its allies.
South Africa is to chair this online meeting, while the six countries which are also invited are must join the group on January 1, namely Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Secretary General of the UN, António Guterres. A very heterogeneous group, which hopes to find a common position, despite divergent opinions, reports our correspondent in Johannesburg, Claire Bargelès.
Very diverse positions around the conflict
Because the five Brics do have their differences: China wishes to present itself as a possible mediator, and Russia, whose Kremlin confirmed Vladimir Putin’s participation in this meeting, is using the war to attack American supremacy.
Narandra Modi’s India, for its part, has woven close ties with Israel, and only recently condemned civilian casualties in Gaza. India and Ethiopia also abstained from the UN General Assembly vote for humanitarian truces.
South Africa critical of Israel
Conversely, South Africa is increasing its critical positions towards Israel, notably requesting the opening of an investigation by the International Criminal Court. The subject is particularly relevant at heart to his governmentvery vocal since the start of the war in denouncing what he describes as ” atrocities » committed in the Gaza Strip, the ruling ANC having always embraced the Palestinian cause.
Pretoria has also recalled its diplomatic staff stationed in Tel Aviv, while this Monday, the Hebrew State also recalled its ambassador stationed in Pretoria, to “ consultations “. The ANC supports the closure of the Israeli embassy in Pretoria.
It remains to be seen, therefore, what will be the content of the joint declaration which should be adopted at the end of this meeting. The five Brics countries (before enlargement) will in any case have the opportunity to meet the next day, in a less restricted circle, since they must participate in the virtual G20 summit scheduled for this Wednesday.
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