Senegalese PM Sonko says international order is shifting to a more balanced, multilateral world
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Senegal’s Sonko says the world is moving toward a fairer and more balanced global system
Senegal’s Prime Minister Sonko Urges Shift Toward a Balanced and Multilateral Global Order
Challenging the Global Power Imbalance
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has voiced strong concerns over the prevailing global power dynamics, arguing that the international order has long been skewed in favor of a few powerful nations. In an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) during his visit to Tianjin for the 2025 Summer Davos Forum, Sonko criticized the tendency of dominant countries—particularly the United States—to impose trade and geopolitical rules that benefit only themselves. He pointed to actions like tariff hikes on trade partners as evidence of this unilateral behavior. According to Sonko, these powers often craft global norms to solidify their influence, only to later attempt to revise or escape those same rules when global conditions begin to shift in favor of a more equitable landscape.
Power and the Erosion of Global Norms
Sonko warned that concepts like “international order,” “international rules,” and the “international community” are gradually losing their legitimacy in the eyes of many nations. “Increasingly, these terms are becoming meaningless,” Sonko explained. “We have certain countries that—because of their power—have, throughout history, set the rules solely to protect their interests. Now that the world is changing, these same countries want to discard or rewrite those rules to maintain their advantage.” The prime minister’s comments reflect a broader frustration among developing nations, especially in Africa, that have long operated under systems that do not reflect their realities or needs. His remarks underline the urgent need for global governance structures that reflect the diversity and interdependence of modern international relations.
Rise of the Global South and BRICS
As global power gradually becomes more diffused, Sonko highlighted the growing importance of South-South cooperation and the efforts of BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to challenge the status quo. He emphasized that Africa must seize this moment to realign its global position. “What is being done in the Global South and within BRICS is incredibly important,” Sonko noted. “This momentum must continue if we are to achieve a truly multilateral and balanced world. Africa, in particular, must capitalize on this shift to ensure that we are no longer passive recipients but active participants in shaping international policies and economic frameworks.” His remarks suggest that partnerships rooted in equity and mutual respect could create long-lasting change, especially for historically marginalized regions.
Davos in Tianjin: A Platform for Change
The 2025 Summer Davos Forum, held in Tianjin, China, brought together over 1,700 influential leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from more than 90 countries and regions. This year’s theme centered on how entrepreneurship and emerging technologies can unlock economic resilience and adaptability. For African leaders like Sonko, the forum offered a rare opportunity to speak directly to a global audience about Africa’s aspirations and challenges in the 21st century. His emphasis on multipolarity and reform echoed the sentiments of many leaders from the Global South, who are pushing for more inclusive governance, fair trade practices, and access to emerging technologies that can propel sustainable development.
The Future of Global Collaboration
As more leaders from Africa and the Global South take center stage at international events, the pressure to reform institutions like the World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, and United Nations continues to build. Sonko’s vision is one in which no country unilaterally sets the tone for global relations. He argues that for meaningful progress to occur, collaboration must be based on shared interests, equal respect, and a commitment to justice across borders. His call to action encourages countries in Africa and beyond to remain engaged in multilateral platforms, expand regional cooperation, and pursue a sovereign and united economic agenda that protects their people’s interests without external manipulation.
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