South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa says the country will leave the International Criminal Court (ICC) in a move that would help Russia leader Vladimir Putin, whom a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Hague-based court last month over allegations of war crimes, evade apprehension.
The ICC which South Africa is a joint signatory had in March this year issued a warrant for the arrest of president Putin following allegations of war crimes committed in Ukraine since the Russian invasion of its neighbour began over a year ago.
Such a move implies South Africa would be obliged to apprehend Mr Putin, who has been invited to the 15th BRICS Summit scheduled to hold in the country later in August this year immediately he steps foot in the Southern African nation.
Facing legal dilemma over Mr Putin’s potential visit to the country, Mr Ramaphosa said South Africa will quit the ICC. He also cited concerns amongst the members of the ruling party African…