The African National Congress (ANC) stated that it is yet to receive confirmation from the Kremlin regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attendance at the upcoming BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit in Johannesburg.
Putin currently faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes committed during Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula addressed the matter during a media briefing, sharing resolutions taken by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). The NEC discussed reevaluating South Africa’s subscription to international bodies and the possibility of withdrawing or amending commitments to institutions that do not align with the nation’s interests.
As the BRICS summit approaches, the question of Putin’s attendance remains uncertain, given the ICC’s warrant hanging over the Russian President. The summit is set to bring together leaders from emerging economies to discuss crucial global issues, and the ANC’s stance reflects the complex diplomatic challenges faced by South Africa in balancing international relations with its national interests.