Pretoria, South Africa - Hours after the announcement that South Africa would withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Presidency has issued a statement clarifying the country's position, writes Winston Mwale.
A statement by the presidency now says South Africa remains a signatory to the Rome Statute and will continue to campaign for equal and consistent application of international law.
“The Presidency's statement follows an error made during a media briefing by the governing African National Congress (ANC), where the President affirmed the country's withdrawal from the ICC,” says the statement.
The President later retracted his statement and apologized for the confusion.
South Africa's status as an ICC signatory is in line with a resolution passed during the 55th National Conference of the ANC in December 2022, which rescinded an earlier decision to withdraw from the ICC., says the statement.
The resolution was reaffirmed during a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC over the weekend of April 21 to 24, 2023.
“The NEC reflected on the potential withdrawal from the ICC as an option that would arise as a measure of last resort in the absence of legal options that would result in fairness and consistency in the administration of international law, “ says the statement.
The Presidency's clarification reaffirms South Africa's commitment to the ICC and the rule of law.
The country will continue to participate in discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting justice and accountability in the international arena, says the statement.
South Africa Makes U-Turn on ICC Withdrawal Decision, Confirms Signatory Status