Ukraine Wants to Force African Support.
On the international scene, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, urged African countries to reconsider their neutral position in the war that his country is waging with Russia.
Several African states have opted for neutrality in the conflict that has been taking place in Europe for the last 15 months. These abstained in votes at the UN General Assembly that condemned the alleged Russian invasion of Ukraine, on February 24 last year.
Appeal for Non-Neutrality for Ukraine
During his visit to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, Kuleba expressed his concern over Ethiopia's position of neutrality. According to him, by being neutral in Russian aggression against Ukraine, they are projecting that neutrality onto border violations and mass crimes that may occur very close to them.
"Neutrality is not the answer."
“By being neutral regarding Russian aggression against Ukraine, you are projecting that neutrality onto border violations and mass crimes that may happen very close to you.”
Kuleba also appealed to African countries to support the “Ten Point Peace Plan” proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In addition, he underlined Ukraine's desire to build relations "mutually advantageous” with Africa, based on trade in energy, technology and pharmaceuticals.
Kuleba's Visit
Dmytro Kuleba is on an African tour that will also include visits to Morocco and Rwanda.
In Ethiopia, he met with the Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, the President of the African Union Commission, Mussa Faki Mahamat, and the President of the Republic of Comoros, Azali Assumani, who currently chairs that continental organization.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine made his first trip to Africa in October last year, when he visited Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Kenya. That tour was cut short due to Russian attacks on your country's infrastructure.
Russian influence in Africa
It must not be forgotten that Russian influence in Africa is diverse and comprehensive, encompassing the military, political and economic spheres. This Russian presence could have significant implications for global power dynamics.
Russia maintains a substantial presence in several parts of Africa. The Russian Wagner group is active and has recently carried out joint military maneuvers with South Africa.
Russian Foreign Minister Serguei Lavrov has also been actively working to strengthen relations with African countries since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, having traveled across the continent once in 2022 and made at least two visits so far this year.
The alleged Russian invasion – justified by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, as a need to “denazify” and demilitarize Ukraine – was condemned by most of the international community. The latter has responded by sending arms to Ukraine and imposing political and economic sanctions on Russia.
Russia, as a global power, maintains a considerable presence in several parts of the African continent. Such a presence takes many forms and is driven by various strategic, economic and political interests.
In the military sphere, the performance of the Russian group Wagner stands out. This group has played an active role in the region, carrying out operations of a varied nature. Recently, in partnership with South Africa, it carried out joint military maneuvers, demonstrating Russia's involvement in the continent's military structure.
In addition, Russia has been committed to strengthening diplomatic ties with African countries. An example of this is the planning of an Africa-Russia summit to be held in July. At this meeting, it is expected that issues related to bilateral cooperation, investments and infrastructure development, as well as issues of regional security and peace, will be discussed.
Russian influence in Africa does not end, however, in the military and diplomatic dimension. There is also a strong economic component. Russia is one of the main suppliers of cereals to the African continent, contributing to the food security of many countries.
Conclusion
Ukraine's appeal to African countries highlights the country's desperation over the war and sheds light on the complexity of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict. It is increasingly clear that a global commitment is needed to resolve this problem, which has long ceased to be a regional problem and has become a global one.
It remains to be seen what position will be adopted by African countries in the face of this “ultimatum” and realize what the impact will be on your international relations.
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Picture: © 2023 DR
