President Ramaphosa Advocates For Africans In Paris, Addressing Concerns Over Vaccine Distribution.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed lingering resentment towards the West for their treatment of African countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking at the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact in Paris, Ramaphosa passionately described how African nations felt marginalized and dependent when they needed access to vaccines. He criticized Western nations for hoarding vaccines, stating they had purchased the majority of the world's supply, leaving little for Africa.

Ramaphosa highlighted the resistance faced when African countries attempted to manufacture their own vaccines and sought support from the World Trade Organization. He questioned the prioritization of profits over human lives by big pharmaceutical companies. The President lamented the perception that life in the northern hemisphere held greater value than life in the global south.

In addition to vaccine distribution, Ramaphosa criticized the failure of rich countries to fulfill their promise of providing $100 billion annually to help developing nations adapt to climate change. He emphasized the importance of honoring commitments made at the COP climate summit in 2009.

The South African President's foreign policy is currently being scrutinized in the West due to his recent visit to Moscow and allegations of covert arms provision to the Kremlin. Ramaphosa led an African peace delegation to Moscow and Kyiv, advocating for an end to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has adversely affected food and fertilizer imports for African consumers.

Ramaphosa's statements shed light on the challenges African nations face and their aspirations for fair treatment and global cooperation in both healthcare and environmental matters.