Ramaphosa Challenges US Influence At G20: ‘We Are All Equal’

President Cyril Ramaphosa has drawn a firm line ahead of South Africa’s G20 leaders’ summit, warning that no country should be intimidated or sidelined in global politics. His message came as tensions quietly simmer between Pretoria and Washington, with the incoming G20 host reportedly boycotting the summit and cautioning South Africa not to adopt any declaration that goes against US positions.

Ramaphosa used the moment to call out what he sees as a troubling trend in global power dynamics.

A Pushback Against Big-Power Politics

Speaking in Boksburg after receiving recommendations from the G20 Social Summit, Ramaphosa said it was unacceptable for any country’s influence, military might or income level to determine whose voice matters.

He told delegates that the G20’s strength lies in inclusion, not hierarchy, and that the world cannot function on a system where powerful nations dictate terms to everyone else.

“It cannot be that a country’s geographical location or army determines who has a voice, and who is spoken down to,” he said. “There should be no bullying of one nation by another. We are all equal.”

His remarks subtly echoed and subverted a familiar line used by US President Donald Trump when referencing South Africa, but this time Ramaphosa turned it on its head to highlight global inequality rather than domestic politics.

The G20’s Social Summit Takes Centre Stage

The gathering in Boksburg marked only the second social summit in the G20’s history, a concept introduced by Brazil during its presidency. The aim is to give civil society, unions, youth groups, and community organisations a seat at the table in shaping global policy priorities.

Ramaphosa said their contributions would guide leaders when they meet this weekend, positioning the social summit as the moral compass of the broader G20 process.

With the bloc representing two-thirds of the world’s population, he argued that ignoring social justice issues would undermine everything the G20 stands for.

A Moment Of Global Reflection

Ramaphosa’s message taps into a long-running debate about how global institutions operate. Emerging economies often feel that their concerns are overshadowed by the priorities of wealthier nations.

His stance also aligns with South Africa’s long diplomatic tradition of advocating for multilateralism, equality and reform within global bodies such as the UN and IMF.

As the country prepares to host some of the world’s most influential leaders, his comments make one thing clear: South Africa wants a G20 that listens to every voice, not just the loudest one.

Whether this sparks a deeper rethinking of global power or simply adds heat to an already tense diplomatic moment remains to be seen. But for now, Ramaphosa has set the tone.

{Source:EWN}

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