South Africa’s presidency announced on Tuesday that it would not be leaving the International Criminal Court (ICC), stressing that this was a “mistake” in the ruling ANC’s communication on the arrest warrant against President Vladimir Putin.
The presidency said the clarification followed an erroneous comment at an ANC press conference.
Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that the ANC had called for the country to leave the ICC, adding that the party believes it is prudent for Pretoria to withdraw from the ICC, given that it issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in March for the war crime.
Pretoria is concerned about the arrest warrant because it is due to host a Brics summit in August that brings together countries including Russia.
As a member of the ICC, South Africa is expected to arrest the Russian president if he enters its territory.