The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has formally written to the Heads of State of the Brics nations, imploring them to consider boycotting this year’s yearly Summit, taking place between August 22 and 24, in Johannesburg. 

The party has signalled this as a response following confirmation that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not be in attendance and would rather attend virtually. 

The EFF said it had noted the external pressures the economic bloc faced.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an international arrest warrant for Putin, in March, for war crimes committed in Ukraine.

The party views this pressure exerted by the ICC as an effort to undermine the bloc and has called for solidarity among the Brics nations given the important role Brics plays in the world, accounting for more than 40% of the world’s population and nearly 25% of the global GDP. 

“The communication is 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 absence of any member, particularly due to political manoeuvring, threatens the unity, strength and future influence of Brics on the global stage,” said EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo.

He also alluded to the need for Brics leaders to consider the implications of whether to attend the summit.

“The EFF believes that this matter is of the utmost importance, reflecting not just the integrity and unity of the Brics organisation, but also the future direction of global politics and economics. It embodies a vision of a fairer, more equitable world and a steadfast commitment to resisting the dictates of super imperialism,” argued Tambo.