South Africa Blocks Morocco's BRICS Aspirations at Kazan Summit

The ongoing BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia has brought to light significant diplomatic tensions as South Africa firmly opposes Morocco's potential inclusion in the expanding economic bloc. The three-day gathering, which commenced on October 22, 2024, has placed the controversial topic of membership expansion at the forefront of discussions.

According to Bloomberg reports, South African officials have taken a decisive stance against the inclusion of both Morocco and Nigeria, expressing concerns about the potential diminishment of South Africa's regional influence within the organization. These statements, made by officials speaking under condition of anonymity, underscore the complex interplay of regional politics and economic interests.

The opposition stems from deep-rooted diplomatic tensions between South Africa and Morocco, particularly regarding the Western Sahara dispute. This friction manifested notably in August 2023, when Morocco declined South Africa's invitation to a "BRICS/Africa" meeting in Johannesburg, citing strained diplomatic relations.

The BRICS alliance, established in 2009, has recently undergone significant expansion, welcoming Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Egypt as new members in early 2024. Saudi Arabia's membership remains pending final confirmation. This expansion has strengthened the bloc's economic influence by uniting major energy producers with key developing nation consumers.

The current summit, hosted by Russia, has drawn unprecedented attendance with 36 national delegations and six international organizations participating. This marks the largest gathering of world leaders in Russia since February 2022.

Despite South Africa's opposition, China has demonstrated a more inclusive approach toward Morocco. In September, Morocco participated in the BRICS Forum 2024 on partnership for industrial revolution in Xiamen, China, represented by Minister of Industry and Commerce Ryad Mezzour.

The summit continues to address the challenges of balancing geopolitical interests while promoting economic cooperation, as more nations, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Turkiye, express interest in joining the bloc. This expansion drive highlights the growing significance of BRICS as an alternative platform for international economic cooperation and development.