BRICS Summit to Proceed as Planned in Physical Format, Despite Arrest Warrant for Putin — President Confirms

President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the upcoming BRICS summit, set to take place next month, will be held in person, defying the arrest warrant issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking at a conference organised by the ruling ANC, President Ramaphosa stated that the BRICS summit will be physical, as reported by GMA News Online. He highlighted the importance of this type of interaction among the participating leaders.

While it remains unclear whether Putin, who faces allegations of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children and has an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC), will attend the summit, Ramaphosa stressed the commitment of all BRICS members to convene in person.

The decision to hold a physical summit comes after a prolonged period of virtual meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Ramaphosa noting that it has been nearly three years since the last in-person BRICS summit.

Also read: Ramaphosa to decide on Putin visit

As a member of the ICC, South Africa would be expected to apprehend Putin if he were to set foot in the country, creating a diplomatic challenge for Pretoria. Speculation had arisen in local media about the possibility of relocating the talks to China to avoid having to enforce the arrest warrant.

This arrest warrant presents a delicate situation for South Africa, given its historical ties with the Kremlin during the anti-apartheid struggle. While South Africa has refrained from condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, maintaining impartiality and advocating for dialogue, President Ramaphosa recently led a significant peace-brokering effort alongside the Republic of Congo, Egypt, Senegal, and Uganda presidents. This endeavour aimed to address the repercussions of the Ukraine conflict, particularly in Africa. Rising grain prices have had a profound impact on the continent. The African leaders’ mission proposed a comprehensive 10-point plan. This plan included de-escalation, the recognition of sovereignty, unimpeded grain exports, and the repatriation of prisoners of war and children to their respective countries.

South Africa is the current chair of BRICS. The 15th BRICS summit will occur at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, the financial hub of South Africa, from August 22 to 24.

Also read:

South Africa envoy criticises “dollar domination” and calls arresting Putin in Johannesburg “bizarre”

Picture: Twitter / SpriterTeam

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