President John Dramani Mahama has criticised what he called “selectivity and indifference” in the international response to humanitarian crises, urging world leaders to apply international law consistently to conflicts in Sudan and Gaza, lift the embargo on Cuba and confront climate inequality.

Speaking at the 65th anniversary summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade, Mr Mahama said a fair global order cannot be built on double standards, where international law is enforced in some cases but ignored in others.

He said the crisis in Sudan which he described as the world’s worst humanitarian disaster  has left more than 11 million people displaced. He also called for an immediate end to civilian suffering in Gaza and unhindered humanitarian access to the territory.

Mr Mahama renewed Ghana’s call for the lifting of the decades-long economic embargo against Cuba, describing unilateral coercive measures as violations of the UN Charter.

“The credibility of the international system is tested most severely when human suffering is met with silence, selectivity, or indifference,” he said. “Sovereignty cannot be defended selectively and international law cannot retain its authority if its application depends on political circumstance and lack of principle.”

Climate and AI warning

Turning to the future, Mr Mahama urged the Non-Aligned Movement to take a stronger position on climate change and the growing artificial intelligence divide.

He warned that emerging technologies could widen the gap between rich and poor countries if access remains unequal.

“Our planet is at risk,” he said, citing extreme weather events in Europe, Africa and Asia.

He added that AI offers major opportunities, but countries in the Global South must not be left behind as passive consumers of technology.

Mr Mahama said Ghana’s expected chairmanship of the African Union in 2027, along with its leadership of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change, would provide a platform to push for climate finance, adaptation support and renewable energy investment for developing countries.

He ended his address with a call for collective progress.

“Our direction remains clear: neither East nor West, but forward together, with principle, purpose, and confidence,” he said.

By Blessed EDUAMOAH DADZIE