South Africa’s government has announced that all preparations, including heightened security measures, are in place ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit.
Bheki Cele, the Minister of Police for South Africa, has confirmed that the country’s security forces are fully prepared and have been for a considerable period. He reassures incoming leaders, delegates, and citizens that every necessary step will be taken to ensure the summit occurs in a safe and secure environment, urging everyone not to feel fearful.
“We have augmented our capabilities, but our presence has been steadfast from the beginning and will continue long after the BRICS summit,” he added.
The hosting of the summit by South Africa has brought attention to its relationship with the Kremlin, particularly due to its abstention from condemning Russia’s incursion into Ukraine.
In addition to BRICS members, around 50 other leaders, including Iran’s Ebrahim Raisi and Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, have confirmed their participation in the talks.
The collective economies of BRICS nations constitute roughly a quarter of the global economy, and interest in joining this group has surged this year.
More than 40 countries have expressed interest in becoming members, and 23 have already submitted their applications.
South Africa is in favor of calls to expand BRICS membership opportunities.