G20: Ramaphosa says African leaders must prioritise peace alongside development

Inside Politics Reporter

President Cyril Ramaphosa told African leaders on Friday night that the continent must prioritise peace alongside economic development.

Speaking at a working dinner of African heads of state and government prior to the start of the G20 Leaders’ Summit on Saturday, the President also told his peers that the G20 was an opportunity to push for fairer global finance, stronger African influence in multilateral forums, and deeper regional economic integration.

“We know that peace and security are essential for meaningful social and economic development,” he said.

“We must be deeply concerned about ongoing conflicts in our continent.

“These deadly conflicts are taking a devastating human toll. They are impeding Africa’s developmental trajectory and jeopardising our collective future.”

He said African states must “collaborate with one another and with our regional organisations to address the root causes of conflict: poverty, inequality and competition for resources”.

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