‘We cannot be bullied into silence’: Ramaphosa calls for stronger global institutions

Ramaphosa

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans and the international community to recommit to defending democracy, warning that rising extremism, intolerance and inequality threaten democratic institutions worldwide.

Writing in his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa reflected on South Africa’s democratic journey as the country prepares to mark Freedom Day on 27 April.

“Thirty years after we adopted our new Constitution, South African society remains grounded in a culture of human rights, the rule of law and the expression of people’s will through regular elections,” he said.

Ramaphosa represented South Africa at the 4th meeting of the In Defence of Democracy initiative in Barcelona, Spain, where he joined global leaders in calling for stronger international cooperation.

“We cannot allow ourselves to be bullied into silence when the dignity and human rights of others are being trampled on,” he told delegates.

He emphasised the need for reform of global institutions, including the United Nations, to better address conflicts and prevent atrocities. “It has become clear that bodies like the UN Security Council are powerless to intervene in conflicts and prevent genocide,” Ramaphosa said.

The president also highlighted inequality as a major challenge to democracy, announcing support for an International Panel on Inequality.

“The laws, rules and institutions that support democracy must ensure that people’s lives are improved. All people must have an equal opportunity to contribute to decisions that affect them,” he wrote.

Ramaphosa warned that the erosion of democracy abroad has direct consequences for South Africa, citing intensified geopolitical tensions and the weaponisation of trade and investment.

Freedom Day

“Our experience with building a united nation from a deeply fractured past means that we must cherish our democracy and be part of the struggle to defend democratic values across the globe,” he said.

As Freedom Day approaches, Ramaphosa urged citizens to recommit to overcoming poverty, inequality and underdevelopment.

“We must not go the way of societies that have lost faith in democracy and that are increasingly anchored in the rule of the strong and the erosion of human rights,” he cautioned.

The president said that the defence of democracy is “gathering momentum” globally, with growing support from governments, social movements and citizens.

Article written by