South African President Calls for Peace in Ukraine Conflict During visit to Russia

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, leading a peace-seeking delegation to Russia, emphasized the urgent need for an end to the war in Ukraine.

The delegate held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ramaphosa presented a 10-point African peace initiative aimed at achieving agreement on confidence-building measures, despite Ukraine's recent counteroffensive against Russian forces.

The African delegation, consisting of seven leaders, delivered a clear message that the conflict must be resolved through negotiations and diplomatic means to mitigate its negative impact not only on Africa but also on countries worldwide.

Ramaphosa's Plea for Peace:

Addressing Putin at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St Petersburg, Ramaphosa stressed the necessity of ending the war in Ukraine.

He highlighted the African peace initiative's aim to promote diplomatic resolutions and underscored the African leaders' unified message that the conflict must be brought to a close.

Recognizing the adverse consequences of the war on the African continent and beyond, Ramaphosa urged for a peaceful resolution that would restore stability and alleviate the suffering caused by the ongoing conflict.

Putin's Response and African Mediation Efforts:

Interrupting the opening remarks of African leaders, Putin expressed his concerns about the proposed mediation initiatives.

He reiterated his position that the conflict was instigated by Ukraine and the West before Russia's involvement in February of the previous year.

Putin emphasized that Russia has consistently been open to talks with Ukraine, which have been hindered by Kyiv's actions.

Despite this initial response, African leaders continued their efforts to engage in dialogue and mediate the conflict, having previously met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

Zelensky and Ramaphosa
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African Union's Role and Divergent Views:

The peace-seeking delegation comprises leaders from Egypt, the Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Zambia, Uganda, and Comoros, with Comoros President Azali Assoumani, currently heading the African Union, leading the discussions.

African countries have demonstrated varying positions on the Ukraine conflict, with some supporting Ukraine, while others have maintained neutrality or gravitated towards Russia.

During their meeting with President Zelenskyy, the African leaders were urged to encourage Putin to release political prisoners as a gesture of confidence-building.

Putin's Acknowledgment of African Efforts:

Putin commended the "balanced approach" taken by African countries in relation to the Ukraine conflict, appreciating their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.

He expressed openness to peaceful negotiations based on mutual respect, the protection of interests, and justice.

However, Putin also highlighted the need to address other pressing issues, such as the impact of high global food prices.

He argued that the export of Ukrainian grain, facilitated through the Black Sea, has not sufficiently addressed Africa's food crisis.

He attributed the problem to the actions of Western countries rather than Russia's involvement in Ukraine.

Challenges and Potential for African-Led Solutions:

While skepticism remains regarding the peace mission's potential for a breakthrough between Russia and Ukraine, some believe that the African leaders' experience in managing internal and regional conflicts could contribute to an innovative resolution.

The complexity of the crisis, intertwined with the interests of various global actors, presents a formidable challenge.

With different stakeholders, including the United States, Europe, and China, seeking to influence the outcome, a swift resolution seems unlikely.

Lastly:

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's call for an end to the war in Ukraine during his visit to Russia underscores the urgency of finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

The African peace initiative, supported by a delegation of African leaders, seeks to promote confidence-building measures and mitigate the negative consequences of the war.

While challenges persist, the involvement of African leaders brings a fresh perspective to the table, and their experiences in conflict resolution may contribute to a unique and innovative approach.

Ultimately, a resolution to the Ukraine crisis requires the engagement of all relevant parties and sustained international efforts.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)