Potential Declaration of War Against Russia
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a strong warning, asserting that any attempt to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he visits the country would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Russia. The warning comes ahead of an international meeting scheduled in Johannesburg, to which Putin has been invited. Despite South Africa being an International Criminal Court (ICC) signatory and thus obligated to help in Putin’s arrest, the country has previously refused to honor such obligations, as seen in the case of Sudan’s then-President Omar al-Bashir in 2015.
Controversy Surrounding Putin’s Invitation
Vladimir Putin has been invited to attend a summit for members of the Brics countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in August. This bloc of fast-growing economies is considered an alternative to the G7 group of advanced economies. However, South Africa’s biggest opposition party, Democratic Alliance, is challenging the authorities to execute an arrest on Putin should he step foot in the country. Court documents reveal that President Ramaphosa is firmly against this move, citing national security concerns and the potential risk of engaging in war with Russia.
Negotiating Peace in Ukraine-Russia Conflict
President Ramaphosa clarified that South Africa, along with other African nations, is engaged in talks with Russia and Ukraine to seek an end to the ongoing war. Amidst criticism of African nations’ reluctance to back UN general assembly resolutions condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine, reasons vary depending on individual country ties and interests. Economic ties between Russia and African nations, including South Africa, also contribute to the complexities of the situation. Notably, a sanctioned Russian oligarch, Viktor Vekselberg, is believed to be one of the largest donors to South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC).
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