The news in South Africa is marked by the preparation of the BRICS summit, which will be held from August 22 to 24 in Johannesburg. This group, bringing together Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, constitutes an important forum for economic and political cooperation between these emerging countries.
South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor held a press conference to announce some details of the event. She notably presented the list of guests, which includes 67 leaders from African and Southern countries. However, one piece of information surprised some observers: French President Emmanuel Macron was not invited to this summit.
This decision was taken in consensus with the other BRICS countries, in agreement with the position of Russia, which considered France’s invitation “inappropriate”. Moscow highlighted the existing differences between France and Russia, particularly on the issue of the war in Ukraine and France’s membership in NATO.
Emmanuel Macron had expressed his wish to participate in the BRICS summit, expressing his desire for dialogue and mutual understanding. His Minister of Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, had even raised the possibility of his presence as an observer. However, this idea did not come to fruition.
This situation underlines Emmanuel Macron’s desire to promote European “strategic autonomy” and to reject a block-to-block logic. Although the participation of a head of state from a Western country caused some surprise, it reflects the French president’s vision of international relations.
The BRICS summit will therefore be an opportunity for member countries to strengthen their partnership and discuss global issues. The exclusion of France draws attention to the dynamics and balances at play within this group, reflecting the tensions and divergences of views that exist on the international scene.