Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has voiced strong concerns about Africa's ability to influence the emerging global order, citing deep divisions across the continent. Speaking at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs in Johannesburg, Mbeki addressed students, academics, and thought leaders, highlighting South Africa's role in continental and international politics.
A Battle for International Relations
Mbeki emphasized the ongoing global struggle concerning the future of international relations, with increasing calls for multipolarity, multilateralism, and adherence to the UN Charter. He pointed to growing alliances between global powers as evidence of this contest, referencing symbolic gatherings featuring leaders like Xi Jinping, Putin, and Kim Jong-un.
"There’s clearly a battle going on in the world around these issues,” Mbeki stated. “At least let us be guided by these three things — respect for multipolarity, respect for multilateralism, particularly exercised through the United Nations, and respect for the UN Charter when we talk about international law.”
Africa Falling Behind?
Mbeki argued that while other regions are consolidating their influence, Africa is lagging. He lamented the lack of cohesion needed for the continent to collectively determine its stance on multilateralism, predicting that countries would move in disparate directions.
He also addressed UNISA in Pretoria, urging countries to respect sovereignty and the UN charter when pursuing their national interests. He specifically mentioned the United States, highlighting their pursuit of national interests within a global context.
South Africa's Weakened Position
Mbeki was particularly critical of South Africa's current position, stating, "We are at our weakest in terms of making this kind of intervention. As a country, we’ve walked away from the Africa agenda ourselves.” He expressed concern about the country's diminished capacity to effectively intervene and play a leading role on the continent.
Mbeki also touched on various other issues, including the DRC crisis, blaming it on the failure to implement the Sun City agreement.
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