Lamola
By Nkosana Khumalo
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has issued a stark warning about escalating global tensions, urging the international community to prioritise diplomatic intervention and multilateral cooperation to avert a deepening global crisis. Speaking at the third Group of 20 (G20) Sherpa meeting held at Sun City Resort in South Africa’s North West province, Lamola underscored the fragility of the current world order and its dire consequences for vulnerable populations.
“We find ourselves in an evolving global disorder that brings with it many perils for the weak and vulnerable,” Lamola told delegates representing the world’s largest economies and international organisations. His address coincided with South Africa’s preparations for its G20 presidency in 2025, a role that amplifies the country’s voice on global economic and political issues.
Sudan Conflict: A Moral and Humanitarian Crisis
A key focus of Lamola’s speech was the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which he described as “not only a crisis but also a moral issue that demands our collective consciousness and humanity.” He highlighted the staggering displacement of over 12 million people due to the war, making it one of the world’s most severe humanitarian disasters. Lamola framed Sudan as a symbol of broader global instability, where armed conflicts are increasing and threatening the rules-based international order.
“These international competition dynamics are exacerbating fragility in vulnerable regions, while also weakening multilateral institutions,” he warned, pointing to State rivalries, economic decoupling, and proxy conflicts as drivers of this fragmentation.
South Africa’s Anti-War Legacy and the Freedom Charter
Lamola drew on South Africa’s historical commitment to peace, referencing the Freedom Charter—adopted 70 years ago on 26 June 1955—as a guiding framework for the country’s foreign policy. The Charter, a foundational document from the anti-apartheid struggle, champions peace, justice, and equality—values Lamola said remain critical in addressing today’s challenges.
“South Africa has adopted an anti-war stance,” he declared. “This is because we know too well that war offers no victors, only victims.” He lambasted “double standards in diplomacy” and the “paralysis at the United Nations Security Council,” arguing that these failures have undermined conflict resolution and peace mediation efforts globally. Lamola called for systemic reforms to restore “global rationality that builds on stability, peace, certainty, and sustainability.”
Economic Nationalism: A Threat to Global Prosperity
Turning to economic concerns, Lamola expressed alarm over the rise of economic nationalism, a trend he said is eroding decades of globalised trade. “The current and troubling global economic environment signifies a major trend towards economic nationalism; some States are distancing themselves from the globalised trade framework that has prevailed for many decades and underpinned this rules-based system of non-discrimination and shared values,” he explained.
He cautioned that this shift could severely impact developing nations, particularly in Africa, where trade serves as a vital engine for growth. “We must avoid this path, as we all know well that trade is an engine for economic development and improvement in the standards of living across nations,” Lamola urged.
Critical Minerals: Addressing Economic Injustice
Lamola also tackled the exploitation of critical minerals, a pressing issue for resource-rich African countries like South Africa. “While the world runs on our resources, the value does not stay here. The minerals leave raw. The batteries, the solar panels, and the cancer treatments are made elsewhere. We export wealth but import back its transformed value,” he said, highlighting a systemic injustice.
Proposing a bold solution, Lamola advocated for a “critical minerals framework that will rewrite peace and humanity, and revitalise our industrial strategies.” He outlined South Africa’s G20 presidency vision: transforming these “buried treasures” into local jobs, factories, and sovereignty, while still supporting global commerce. “This is not just economics; it is Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability – the theme of our Presidency,” he emphasised.
Sustainable Development Goals and the G20’s Role
Lamola stressed the dire state of international cooperation, noting that “diplomacy and peace mediation and the United Nations Security Council have been crippled.” With only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on track, he argued that multilateralism is not optional but essential for progress.
“The G20 can lead in a moment of crisis. The G20 can help address the weaknesses of the multilateral system. The G20 can ensure that our collective humanity is not abandoned,” he told the Sherpas. Lamola urged the forum to move beyond empty rhetoric and deliver actionable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
A Global Call to Action
In closing, Lamola reminded delegates of the G20’s immense influence. “The G20 is a persuasive body that holds great influence in the world,” he said,
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