Ramaphosa calls for accountability over Palestine, Sudan, Iran
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for consistent application of international law during a BRICS summit in India. He specifically criticized the handling of conflicts in Palestine, Sudan, and Iran, urging global accountability.
Why it matters
This reflects South Africa's ongoing diplomatic efforts to position itself as a leading voice for the Global South in international governance.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says international law can’t be selectively applied. Picture: GCIS.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says international law can’t be selectively applied, citing atrocities against the people of Gaza in Palestine and Sudan, as well as an “illegal war” against Iran, warning against the selective application of international law.
The president addressed the BRICS summit in India on Saturday, 13 September 2026.
The Brics Summit comes amid the broader global economic effects of the US-Iran conflict, which has fuelled an energy crisis and raised concerns about energy security, trade, and inflation.
His statement forms part of a broader push by South Africa to position itself as a leading voice for the Global South by demanding consistency in global governance and the international rules-based system.
Ramaphosa said it was important to “exert pressure and expose violations whenever and by whomever they are committed”.
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