The forthcoming BRICS Summit South Africa 2023 scheduled for August 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa, is riddled with intrigue and diplomatic tensions. The central dilemma revolves around South Africa’s potential retreat from hosting duties to eschew international pressure in arresting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
What is BRICS?
First, let’s break down what BRICS is. BRICS is a coalition of five major emerging economies, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The alliance focuses on mutual development and economic cooperation. The 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg brings together heads of state from these nations to discuss collective strategies for growth and international affairs.
The Attendees and the Putin Predicament
The attendees of the BRICS Summit typically include the presidents or prime ministers of the member countries. However, the potential attendance of Russian President Vladimir Putin has thrown a wrench into the proceedings. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March, accusing him of war crimes in Ukraine. South Africa, as a signatory to the ICC, would be obliged to arrest Putin should he set foot on South African soil. This puts South Africa in a precarious position given the diplomatic relations it holds with both Russia and the United States.
Hosting Dilemma: In-Person, Online, or Relocate?
To sidestep the potential diplomatic quagmire, South Africa is considering various alternatives to hosting the BRICS Summit South Africa 2023. Reports suggest that Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, is mulling over relocating the summit to China or neighbouring Mozambique. This shift would eliminate diplomatic pressures on Pretoria regarding Putin’s attendance.
China has expressed readiness to work with South Africa to strengthen security for the BRICS Summit. On June 9th, China conveyed its willingness to bolster security at the summit in light of the arrest warrant issued by the ICC against Vladimir Putin. During talks in Beijing, the Chinese Minister for Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, told the South African Police Minister Bheki Cele that China is prepared to facilitate pragmatic cooperation in summit security.
This offer assumes significance as South Africa has issued diplomatic immunity for summit attendees but is still obliged to execute the ICC arrest warrant.
There is also speculation that the summit may pivot to a virtual format, allowing leaders to participate without physical presence, thus bypassing the legal and diplomatic challenges altogether.
The Implications
Should Putin attend the summit, either physically in a different host country or virtually, it could strain South Africa’s relations with the United States, its biggest trade partner after China. Moreover, of the five BRICS members, only Brazil and South Africa are signatories to the Rome Statute, whereas China, India, and Russia are not, making the hosting scenario even more complex.
The Stakes for South Africa
South Africa’s handling of this situation could have far-reaching consequences for its international standing. By hosting the summit, South Africa aims to strengthen its role within BRICS and highlight its commitment to multilateral cooperation. However, the Putin predicament poses not just a logistical challenge but a test of South Africa’s commitment to international law and human rights.
Furthermore, as China positions itself as a willing collaborator in security and possibly as an alternative host, this might hint at a shift in the dynamics within the BRICS alliance. South Africa would need to weigh the long-term implications of its decisions on its relationships within BRICS and beyond.
The situation is fluid, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the geopolitics surrounding the BRICS alliance and South Africa’s role within it. The world will be watching closely to see how values, alliances, and pragmatism play out on the international stage during the BRICS Summit South Africa 2023.
Looking forward
As the date of the BRICS Summit South Africa 2023 nears, the world watches with bated breath to see how South Africa navigates these tumultuous diplomatic waters. Whether the 15th BRICS Summit takes place in Johannesburg, shifts to China, moves to an online format, or adopts a hybrid approach, it is sure to be a historical event surrounded by geopolitical complexities. Stay tuned as this high-stakes international drama unfolds.
Image Credit: AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht, File
