In an unprecedented move, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with his African counterparts from Zambia, Senegal, Comoros, and the Prime Minister of Egypt, have embarked on a peace mission in Ukraine, amid the growing conflict in the region.
This diplomatic expedition includes high-ranking officials from Uganda and Congo-Brazzaville. In a quest for stability, they convened with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and have scheduled a subsequent dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Following the meeting, Zelenskyy stood firm, stating peace negotiations can only advance after Russia withdraws from occupied territories. Ramaphosa echoed this sentiment, adding that the African leaders' mission was to present an African perspective, emphasizing the necessity for de-escalation from all parties and a respect for national sovereignty.
Among the South African leader's suggestions were a push for further prisoner exchanges and the return of displaced children to their families. Ukraine's leader expressed interest in holding a Ukraine-Africa summit, indicating an aspiration for fostering closer ties with Africa.
A solemn tribute was made to the victims of the war as the delegation lit candles at a mass grave located near St. Andrew's Church in Bucha, a locale infamous for one of the war's most brutal massacres perpetrated by Russian troops.
Despite the pursuit of peace, Ukraine is under the clear impression that Russia intends further conflict, with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stating that "Russian missiles are a message to Africa: Russia wants more war, not peace."
During the visit, the Ukrainian air force reportedly intercepted and destroyed six Russian Kalibr cruise missiles, six Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles, and two reconnaissance drones.
Alongside the peace agenda, the African leaders are contemplating ways to remunerate Russia for critical fertilizer exports, despite the sanctions on Moscow. They are also seeking ways to extract crucial grain shipments from Ukraine. Ramaphosa proposed easing logistical procedures for both grain and fertilizer.
The delegation's stance appears divided, with countries like South Africa, Senegal, and Uganda refraining from openly criticizing Moscow. On the other hand, Zambia, Egypt, and Comoros have previously voted against Russia in a UN resolution denouncing the invasion.
In a striking comment, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema noted, "Life is universal, and we must protect lives - Ukrainian lives, Russian lives, global lives," encapsulating the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for resolution.
Aww, you missed Ramaphosa's 6 containers of (alleged) weapons to Russia.
They're fighting back pretty hard against Wag's RSF buffies in Sudan, I'd say.
They need to put pressure on Central Republic of Africa where Wagner group has presence and propping up corrupt government in exchange for stealing gold from citizens to finance their mercenaries in Ukraine.
Only in the sixth paragraph to we get the real reason for this diplomatic mission: "Alongside the peace agenda, the African leaders are contemplating ways to remunerate Russia for critical fertilizer exports, despite the sanctions on Moscow. They are also seeking ways to extract crucial grain shipments from Ukraine. Ramaphosa proposed easing logistical procedures for both grain and fertilizer."
I hope the delegation's first question to Russia is "How come you attacked Kyiv while we were there?" And the second question is "How come you don't dare to attack Kyiv while Western leaders are there?"