Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
22 October 2024 | 12:49 p.m. CAT
3-minute read

The 16th BRICS Summit, hosted by Russia in the city of Kazan, began today, marking a significant moment in the organisation’s history. This year’s summit is notable as it is the first to include four of BRICS’ newest members following the group’s decision at the South African summit last year to expand its ranks. However, since then, Argentina has declined its membership after a right-wing candidate won the recent presidential election, and Saudi Arabia appears to be uncertain about its participation.

Several global issues frame the backdrop to this year’s summit, including Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and its growing isolation from Western powers. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who chose not to attend last year’s summit due to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant, remains a central figure as the Ukrainian-Russian war continues.

South Africa’s vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, combined with the fact that Iran, a new BRICS member, is also embroiled in conflict with Israel, shapes much of the summit’s backdrop.

“What has been happening in Gaza with the killing of Yahya Sinwar, who was the leader of Hamas in the recent past, what is that likely to do for the continuation of the war on Gaza? Are we going to see a cessation of hostilities there? Are we going to see Benjamin Netanyahu stepping down, so to speak, from this indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza and the escalation of the war?” analyst Emmanuel Matambo said earlier today on Radio Islam’s Africa Report.

Another key factor influencing the summit’s proceedings is the upcoming US presidential election. Some participants are closely monitoring how the election might impact global politics, especially if Donald Trump is re-elected.

“An election for Donald Trump could mean the continuation of this isolationist trend in the West,” observed Matambo.

The potential of BRICS to reshape global economic development, particularly for Africa, is another topic of discussion. The New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS in 2015 and led by former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, offers alternative developmental finance to countries in the global south.

“What the New Development Bank offers Africa and the developing world is an alternative source of developmental finance from what Africa is accustomed to from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund,” Matambo said.

While BRICS presents opportunities for the developing world, challenges remain, particularly in how effectively the group can contribute to global security. Matambo referenced the controversial role of Russia’s Wagner Group in parts of Africa, which raises questions about the group’s broader contribution to peacekeeping.

As the summit progresses, key international players like China and Russia aim to assert their influence on the global stage, while Africa seeks to leverage its membership to secure tangible benefits. However, the deep-rooted cultural and economic ties to the West, particularly the US, make it difficult for Africa to completely shift its alignment.

“At a cultural level, it is very difficult for Africa to move away from the United States and from the Western perspective in general,” noted Matambo, citing the continent’s colonial history and linguistic ties.

The summit, which runs through to the 24th of October, is expected to culminate in decisions that could shape the future of international development, finance, and security, especially for the developing world.

Listen to the Africa Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.