The arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Russian President Vladimir Putin is not welcome for South Africa, which should host the BRICS summit next August, including Russia is a member.
“All heads of state should attend the summit. But now we have obstacles in the way with this arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court,” said Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Wednesday April 12 during a press conference. .
This situation “imposes (…) other provisions, to see how this will be taken into account, and these provisions are in progress. Once they have been taken, the necessary announcements will be made,” he continued.
The BRICS group is made up of Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa. Pretoria and Moscow have had good relations for several years. Moreover, Russia had supported the ANC against apartheid.
The ICC issued its arrest warrant for Putin last March. The international court suspects this Russian leader of war crimes for the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, in a context of war between the two countries.
South Africa is a member of the ICC; however, States Parties to the Rome Statute are required to execute arrest warrants issued by the ICC.
Some political parties close to the African National Congress (ANC, in power), have suggested that the government withdraw from the ICC and therefore welcome Vladimir Putin.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1132 of 14/04/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
