BRICS: Three African countries endorse call for restraint in the Middle East

South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia joined other BRICS members on Saturday, September 12, in adopting a joint statement in New Delhi, urging maximum restraint in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The New Delhi Declaration, adopted by consensus, calls for the resolution of disputes through dialogue, consultation, and diplomacy. It also expresses the group’s opposition to unilateral sanctions not authorized by the United Nations Security Council and to trade measures deemed coercive.

This agreement comes amid a delicate diplomatic context for the BRICS, which includes Iran and the United Arab Emirates among its members. Discussions are taking place as hostilities between the United States and Iran have resumed following a temporary pause in fighting.

The three African members are participating in the summit on September 12 and 13. The South African presidency had indicated prior to the opening that Cyril Ramaphosa would take part in a session focused on inclusive global governance, UN reform, international financial architecture, and the multilateral trading system.

The BRICS have also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the representation of emerging economies in international institutions. Discussions in New Delhi are centered on political, trade, and financial cooperation within an expanded group, with several members advocating for reform of global governance.

The summit is set to continue on Sunday, September 13, with an open session dedicated to resilience, innovation, cooperation, and inclusive growth.