Ramaphosa calls for global defence of democracy at Barcelona summit

President addressed 'In Defence of Democracy' initiative amid rising threats from extremism and polarisation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa represented South Africa at the fourth meeting of the 'In Defence of Democracy' initiative in Barcelona, Spain, over the past weekend, where he called for collective action against threats to democratic institutions¹².

The initiative, launched by Brazil and Spain in 2024, was established to confront challenges posed by extremism, polarisation, disinformation and other forms of intolerance¹. Ramaphosa said the gathering brought together countries from around the world at a time when such co-operation had become "especially critical"¹.

Speaking in Barcelona, Ramaphosa characterised the current global situation as a crisis marked by aggression, war, conflict and destruction². He said the principles of solidarity, co-operation and friendship were being challenged by "the resurgence of narrow nationalism, prejudice, and intolerance"¹².

The president told the gathering that South Africa could not "allow ourselves to be bullied into silence when the dignity and human rights of others are being trampled on"¹. He linked some current conflicts to battles over resources, while attributing others to colonial-era divisions shaped by violent conquest¹.

Ramaphosa framed the moment as one requiring action rather than retreat. "This may be a time of crisis, but this is not a moment for doubt or despair. This is a moment for action, for mobilisation, for renewal," he said². He called for advancing peace through dialogue and diplomacy and building "a better, more just and more inclusive world"².

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa said South Africa's democratic gains carried a responsibility to defend and advance those principles beyond the country's borders¹. He said the defence of democracy was gaining momentum in the geopolitical sphere¹.

The statement came as South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation director-general Zane Dangor criticised US President Donald Trump, accusing him of bringing an "unprecedented challenge" to international rules¹.