South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a State of the Nation address to Parliament, in which he linked the concept of freedom to the situation faced by various peoples around the world. “We cannot consider ourselves free while the peoples of Cuba, Palestine, Sudan, Western Sahara, and other places suffer occupation, oppression, and war,” the president stated.
Ramaphosa emphasized that freedom must be understood as a universal, not selective, principle. In this regard, he reaffirmed his country’s commitment to a foreign policy based on upholding international law, the self-determination of peoples, and multilateralism.
The South African head of state explicitly advocated for a just and lasting solution for Palestine. He also condemned the sanctions and pressure against Cuba and referred to the protracted conflicts in Sudan and Western Sahara as situations that demand attention and resolution.
Ramaphosa’s stance aligns with the historical trajectory of South African foreign policy established after the end of apartheid, closely linked to the principles championed by Nelson Mandela. Since 1994, Pretoria has promoted a diplomacy focused on solidarity with peoples under occupation or in conflict.
Within this framework, South Africa supports the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and the recognition of the Palestinian state in multilateral forums, maintaining a position consistent with its own historical experience.
On the legal front, Ramaphosa defended the role of the International Court of Justice as a forum for resolving disputes between states. He emphasized the importance of applying international law consistently and without double standards.
South Africa thus presents itself as a voice of the Global South, articulating its historical experience against racial segregation with an agenda centered on international justice, sovereignty, and effective multilateralism.
IMAGE CREDIT: South African President affirms that there is no true freedom while Palestine, Cuba, and Western Sahara suffer occupation and war. Photo: EFE
[ SOURCE: CUBA DEBATE / with information from Almayadeen
