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The recent development of a warrant of arrest for the Russian leader by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague for war crimes on account of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has put South Africa in a fix. South Africa, as a signatory to the ICC, is obliged to arrest Putin and hand him over if he lands in South Africa.
The recent development of a warrant of arrest for the Russian leader by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague for war crimes on account of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has put South Africa in a fix. South Africa, as a signatory to the ICC, is obliged to arrest Putin and hand him over if he lands in South Africa.
The 15th BRICS summit is all set to be hosted by South Africa in Durban in August this year to be attended by the heads of state or heads of government of the five member countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Accordingly, South Africa has invited Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and he will be attending the Summit.
However, the recent development of a warrant of arrest for the Russian leader by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague for war crimes on account of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has put the country in a fix. South Africa is a signatory to the ICC and will be obliged to arrest Putin and hand him over if he lands in South Africa.
Ukraine war has deepened Africa’s economic suffering and political challenges. The economic consequences brought more pain particularly due to high food and fuel prices leading to political instability in several African countries. South Africa so far had managed to be neutral in its stance on the war despite diplomatic pressures from the West as well as Russia seeking South Africa’s support.
South Africa has had strong ties with Russia since the days of Apartheid when Russia provided political asylum for political exiles during apartheid. It also provided military training and tactical weapons to the armed wing of the ruling party, the African National Congress, during the liberation struggle.
Speaking about ICC’s warrant of arrest of Putin, South Africa’s International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor, expressed reservations against the ICC’s decision pointing out that ICC has been indifferent to other global atrocities. The European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell advised the South African government to use its influence with Russia to get Moscow put an end to the war on Ukraine.
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It was reported that South Africa is seeking legal advice on Putin’s visit.
