South African President Cyril Ramaphosa made a passionate appeal for diplomacy and peaceful resolution in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine conflict at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Drawing from South Africa’s own history of overcoming apartheid, Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of negotiation, dialogue, and adherence to international law.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict: A Plea for Dialogue and Negotiation
Addressing the war between Russia and Ukraine, Ramaphosa underscored South Africa’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution through diplomacy. “South Africa has consistently advocated for dialogue, for negotiation, and diplomacy to prevent and end conflict and achieve lasting peace,” he stated, calling for global efforts to foster peace rather than deepen division.
Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s involvement in the African Peace Initiative, which has played a key role in engaging both parties of the conflict. He noted that the initiative had advocated for confidence-building measures, including the return of children taken during the conflict and the exchange of prisoners. “One of the issues we raised was that there should be confidence-building measures,” he said, adding that progress is being made, but more needs to be done. “We need to see this happening at a much faster pace.”
Despite these efforts, Ramaphosa warned that the war’s broader consequences, such as worsening hunger and deprivation, are impacting vulnerable regions like Africa. He urged the international community to uphold the United Nations Charter, emphasizing that “the principle of respect for the territorial integrity of every country should be upheld.”
Israel-Palestine Conflict: A Call for Justice and Human Rights
Ramaphosa also addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, making a powerful case for Palestinian self-determination. He condemned Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territories, warning that peace in the Middle East will remain elusive as long as Palestinian rights are denied.
“For as long as the land of the Palestinians remains occupied, for as long as their rights are ignored and their dignity is denied, such peace will remain elusive,” Ramaphosa said. He called for the application of the UN Charter’s principles of territorial integrity and prohibition of land annexation by force, declaring, “The actions of the government of Israel have imperiled the possibility of a viable two-state solution.”
Ramaphosa’s plea for justice in the Russia-Ukraine war resonated deeply given South Africa’s own historical struggle against apartheid, which was declared a crime against humanity by the UN. “From the experience of our own journey from the evil system of apartheid to democracy, we value the importance of engaging all parties to conflicts to achieve peaceful, just, and enduring solutions,” he explained, drawing parallels between South Africa’s past and the current plight of Palestinians.
Global Implications and Africa’s Role
Ramaphosa stressed the far-reaching consequences of these conflicts, noting that they go beyond regional borders and impact global stability, particularly in Africa. He expressed concern that the war in Ukraine has disrupted global food supplies, worsening hunger and poverty in many parts of the world, including Africa.
He reiterated South Africa’s determination to contribute to peace efforts, saying, “Our participation in the African Peace Initiative… is informed by a desire to see an end to the suffering of those most directly affected by the conflict and the millions on our own continent and across the world who, as a result of the conflict, are now vulnerable to worsening hunger and deprivation.”
A Call for Global Solidarity and Multilateral Action
Ramaphosa concluded his address by calling on the global community to renew its commitment to multilateralism, fairness, and solidarity. He urged wealthier nations to meet their financial commitments to developing countries, particularly in supporting sustainable development and climate action.
“We must summon the necessary will and resolve to regain the momentum towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda,” he urged, linking the resolution of these conflicts to broader global goals. Ramaphosa warned that the failure of wealthier nations to meet their financial commitments—such as the $100 billion a year pledged for developing economies to tackle climate change—must be addressed.
He expressed frustration over the global community’s willingness to spend vast sums on war while neglecting the basic needs of vulnerable populations. “It is a grave indictment on this international community that we can spend so much money on war… but we cannot support action that needs to be taken to meet the basic needs of billions of people,” he said.
Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s belief in diplomacy and peaceful resolution, urging the world to embrace these principles. “We must do everything within our means to enable meaningful dialogue,” he said, emphasizing that solutions to these crises can only come through global cooperation and respect for international law. “Let us demonstrate that we have both the will as well as the resolve to secure a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for our world,” he declared, calling on all nations to act in the interests of future generations.