Cape Town – The Presidency has denied rumours that it plans to move the upcoming Brics summit to China in order to avoid a diplomatic dilemma surrounding the potential arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
South Africa, as a signatory of the Rome Statute, would be unlikely to comply with the ICC’s arrest warrant if Putin attends the summit in August.
Reports suggesting that South Africa is considering options to appease the Kremlin, including holding a hybrid summit or dissuading Putin from attending, have sparked concerns about the country’s stance on Russia.
Speculation has been further fueled by a recent phone call between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
However, the Presidency has said that South Africa will be hosting and chairing the Brics Summit as planned.
“As things stand South Africa will be hosting and chairing the upcoming BRICS Summit,” EWN quoted spokesperson in the Presidency Vincent Magwenya as saying while briefing the media on Monday.
But The Presidency has pleaded ignorance about claims that South Africa is scouting for a new venue for the 15th BRICS Summit.
“As things stand South Africa will be hosting and chairing the upcoming BRICS Summit,” said spokesperson in The Presidency Vincent Magwenya…
— Kasi Broadcasting News (@kasibcnews) June 12, 2023
According to IOL, Magwenya confirmed that Ramaphosa had a telephone discussion with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping where they discussed Brics and the imminent visit to Kyiv and Moscow by six African leaders.
Ramaphosa will be joining President Macky Sall of Senegal, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville, Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda in the peace mission.
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Picture: Twitter/@CyrilRamaphosa
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
