23 February 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – A group of African leaders has announced a renewed effort to mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, with plans to visit both Moscow and Kyiv in the coming weeks.
This initiative marks a new phase in African involvement in the ongoing conflict, which has entered its second year. Seven African nations – Egypt, South Africa, Republic of Congo, Uganda, Senegal, Zambia, and Comoros – are participating in the effort, according to South African Ambassador to Russia Mzuvukile Maketuka.
The leaders believe direct engagement with both sides is crucial to reaching a peaceful resolution. However, they acknowledge a potential obstacle in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent law prohibiting negotiations with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.
This initiative follows a previous visit by a delegation from these countries to Kyiv and St. Petersburg last June, where they presented a 10-point peace plan. The renewed effort reflects growing international concern about the humanitarian crisis and long-term consequences of the conflict.
