The Minister of Justice of the African Republic said that South African authorities could consider a number of amendments to the republic’s legislation. These changes would lessen the necessity to execute International Criminal Court (ICC) orders against leaders of other nations. The statement was transmitted by Ronald Lamola through TASS. He emphasized that the aim is to grant diplomatic immunity in certain circumstances.
Lamola noted that experiences from countries like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands demonstrate how, when national laws incorporate the Rome Statute, governments examine Article 98 to determine its impact within their borders. This examination can lead to waivers of immunity for individuals facing ICC charges who are located in third countries. As a result, current heads of state have sometimes received exemptions from ICC arrest orders, according to the minister.
As the head of South Africa’s Justice Ministry explained, officials are actively evaluating multiple pathways that could remove the need to issue ICC arrest warrants against leaders of specific states. He added that a decision on this matter is expected to be reached before the BRICS summit scheduled for August.
Lamola stressed that related studies are progressing. A final decision will be announced soon and will be published promptly. The discussion aligns with ongoing efforts to balance international legal obligations with national sovereignty, while keeping in view the importance of collaboration among BRICS members and other partners in global governance.
In related remarks, Russian Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that South Africa does not intend to withdraw from the ICC. He also noted that the ICC’s arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin will not affect Russia’s participation in the 15th BRICS summit, signaling continuity in regional cooperation despite the legal controversies surrounding the court’s actions. The comment reflects Moscow’s position that diplomatic and strategic alignments within BRICS are sustained regardless of ICC proceedings, with a clear emphasis on multilateral engagement and stability across member states. (Source: TASS)