War in Ukraine sparks cautious reactions in Africa
Senegalese President and AU Chairperson Macky Sall expressed concern over the situation in Ukraine.
Here, when he arrived on the first day of the AU-EU summit, February 17, 2022. AFP - JOHN THYS
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Russia began an invasion of Ukraine this Thursday, February 24, unanimously condemned by Western countries.
African reactions are timid.
Only South Africa is an exception.
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On the evening of Russia's attack on Ukraine, reactions on the African continent were still few.
The President of the African Union Macky Sall and that of the Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, both expressed “
their extreme concern at the very serious and dangerous situation in Ukraine
”.
They call on Russia and all other actors to respect international law, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
They urge the two parties to establish an immediate ceasefire and to open political negotiations without delay.
Algeria, a historic ally of Russia, simply called on its citizens there to exercise extreme caution without commenting on the merits.
The strongest reaction finally came from South Africa, where the Russian-Ukrainian conflict is taking a political turn.
Moscow is considered a strategic partner, a member just like Pretoria of the
Brics
economic community .
It is also a long-time ally of the ANC, the ruling party, when the former USSR supported liberation movements in southern Africa.
Little involved in resolving the conflict before war broke out, the South African government is now demanding the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.
► To read also: Russia and South Africa strengthen their economic ties
But this position is considered by some to be too late, reports our correspondent in Johannesburg,
Romain Chanson
.
The head of international affairs for the opposition Democratic Alliance party, Darren Bergman, regrets that the government has shown so much restraint so far.
“
They seem to have a feeling of inferiority in front of Russia.
Clearly, they respect their BRICS partner and remain disciplined.
We should rather use our relations in the Brics to condemn Russia in the strongest terms
, ”he believes.
South Africa says it respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries.
In this it ranks behind Ukraine.
But she also says that a diplomatic solution must be found to the concerns raised by Russia.
South Africa is moving cautiously.
“
It will be difficult for South Africa to find the balance point.
With this statement, she wants to show that she remains firm on her principles, but she must also protect her economic interests and the links between Russia and South Africa are increasingly important
, "said Cayley Clifford, researcher at the South African Institute of Foreign Affairs and specialist in Africa-Russia relations.
The Ukrainian ambassador to South Africa asks the government to take sanctions against Russia.
It's unlikely.
She herself recognizes that it would be a difficult decision to make.
Anyone would be appalled by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but let's face it: we live in a world where invasions are all the rage.
War in Ukraine: the reaction of Shehu Sani, president of the think tank Africa Freedom foundation
Christina Okello
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