Cape Town — The South African government is considering allowing Vladimir Putin to attend the 2023 BRICS summit remotely, a move aimed at avoiding the diplomatic complications that his physical presence would trigger because of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant. News24 reports that a hybrid format is being explored, enabling several leaders, including Putin, to participate virtually.
A government official explained that the Ramaphosa administration, which reversed an earlier decision to withdraw from the ICC and chose to remain a party to the Rome Statute, cannot now contradict that stance by permitting Putin to enter the country. “We do not want to make decisions that could harm the country’s long‑term interests or turn South Africa into a pariah state,” the official said.
Under the ICC’s jurisdiction, South Africa is obligated to arrest Putin if he sets foot on its soil. Russia’s war in Ukraine has caused worldwide economic strain, disrupting imports, exports, and the supply of gas and wheat, and has created significant political and economic challenges for African nations. Already burdened by the fallout from the COVID‑19 pandemic, many African countries are now grappling with higher food and fuel prices, which exacerbate existing political instability.
South Africa has maintained a neutral position on the conflict, a stance that displeases the United States and the European Union. Analysts note that the surge in diplomatic activity reflects both the West and Russia’s attempts to secure South Africa’s support regarding the war in Ukraine.
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