BRICS countries recently held their 15th annual summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, this group has provoked numerous reactions within the international community since its formation in 2011.
During the summit, discussions focused on the theme “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism.” This meeting was an opportunity for member countries to strengthen their cooperation and seek ways to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was represented at this summit by Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde. Although the DRC’s request for membership in the BRICS group has not yet been officially formulated, the country’s presence illustrates its ambition to join this bloc. Moreover, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the invitation to other countries to join the group, including Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia and the Iran, as of January 1, 2024.
The BRICS comprise approximately 42% of the world’s population, or nearly 3.2 billion people, and represent approximately 25% of global GDP. These countries are often seen as an alternative to the dominant Western model, challenging the established world order. Their positioning vis-à-vis Western sanctions, as in the case of Russian military intervention in Ukraine, makes them key players in the global geopolitical landscape.
In Africa, the BRICS also offer an alternative to Western conditions and values imposed for decades. Their economic engagement and support for African countries is seen as a way to strengthen sustainable development and reduce dependence on Western powers. However, it is also important to closely examine the implications of this cooperation and ensure that it truly benefits local populations.
The BRICS summit is therefore a major event for the DRC and other African countries, offering opportunities for cooperation and exchanges, as well as a challenge to the dominant economic and political model. It remains to be seen how these discussions will translate on the ground and what the implications will be for the DRC and the African continent as a whole