How the EFF plans to get Brics countries to boycott summit

The EFF has formally written to the presidents of Russia, India, China, and Brazil to urge them to boycott the upcoming Brics summit.

The summit, to be held from 22 to 24 August in South Africa, will see the nations meet to discuss, among other things, the possible expansion of the group and common currency.

The summit has been largely overshadowed by the possible visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him. President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed last month Putin would not attend the summit in person.

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The EFF slammed this decision, claiming the SA government has given in to international pressure by asking Putin not to come.

In a statement on Friday, the party urged the members of Brics not to attend the summit in solidarity with Putin.

“The EFF emphasises the importance of solidarity among Brics nations and cautions against succumbing to neo-liberal pressures from the West.”

It said the letters were a “call to action, urging the Brics nations to uphold the principles upon which they were founded − mutual respect, understanding, cooperation and non-interference”.

The party added that the absence of any member of the group threatened its unity.

“The EFF requests for the Brics leaders to stand together against external pressure and to consider the implications of their attendance at the summit.”

The red beret

EFF leader Julius Malema earlier told followers that those in the party should be ready to be ostracised for their support.

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“The red beret is a revolutionary symbol of defiance and resistance against the status quo. Only those who don’t seek validation from the establishment and are prepared to pay the highest price will wear it with pride, ready to be ostracised.

“Our struggle against neo-colonialism with its imperialist forces is real and will never surrender. Not now, not ever! We will overcome.”