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On Monday, June 20, Volodymyr Zelensky spoke via videoconference and behind closed doors in front of the expanded African Union office that includes the African Union President, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and accredited ambassadors. The speech by the Ukrainian president comes after President Macky Sall’s visit to Russia on June 3 to demand the resumption of the export of Russian and Ukrainian grain on which certain African countries depend.
“ Africa is a hostage to whoever started the war on our country “, the Ukrainian president launched during his speech at the African Union, adding that difficult negotiations are underway to” Unblock Ukrainian ports Volodymyr Zelensky is trying to get Stronger commitment from African countries ”, comments the researcher, in particular that weighs in the authorities of the United Nations.
The Ukrainian president tried to rally to unite the countries of the continent on the Ukrainian issue. He has launched some unexpected initiatives, such as appointing a Ukrainian special envoy for Africa and holding a major Africa-Ukraine conference.
Africa gets a quarter of the votes in the United Nations General Assembly. But nearly half of the continent abstained three months ago from voting to condemn Russian aggression. Another researcher believes he certainly has a desire to maintain neutrality. But also the desire not to offend Russia, the powerful commercial and military partner on the continent.
Listen also: International guest – before the African Union “Ukrainian President intends to confirm his story”
few reactions
Volodymyr Zelensky did not reach the occupied territories with the African Union. His speech has been postponed several times since April, as our correspondent in Addis Ababa reports, Neu Hochette Boden. This Monday, it did not generate much interest, followed by only four African heads of state.
This meeting, which was supposed to be a continental meeting, ended up being a meeting between the President of Ukraine and the enlarged office of the African Union. It gives an indication of the reluctance of African countries to listen to the Ukrainian president and this may be the only negative aspect of the meeting.
Ibrahima Kane: “This meeting […] It was finally between the President of Ukraine and the enlarged office of the African Union »
For its part, the African Union did not comment, and remained true to the non-aligned approach to this conflict. Its priority remains the transportation of fertilizers and grain to the mainland, part of which was prevented by the blockade of the port of Odessa.
on social networks, CAF President Macky SalleHe thanked the Ukrainian President for his intervention, noting that Africa remains committed to respecting the rules of international law, peaceful resolution of disputes, and free trade. “ The destabilization of Africa by famine is just as important as the outcome of the war in Ukraine Senegalese president said.
Thank the boss Tweet embed For his friendly speech today at the virtual meeting of the expanded office ofTweet embed. Africa remains committed to respect for the rules of international law, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and freedom of trade. pic.twitter.com/63jZCvamix
– Macky_Sall June 20 2022
He reiterated the position of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, who also referred to the urgent need for dialogue to end the conflict.
Roland Marchal (@Science Po): Zelensky “believes Africa can play a bigger role in putting pressure on Moscow”
