2023-06-16 06:15:06
An African mission is expected in kyiv for a peace mediation
An African mission is expected Friday in Kiev, then the next day in Saint Petersburg, for a peace mediation aimed at resolving the conflict between the two countries, even if the last minute withdrawal of several members of the delegation seems to cloud the chances of hit. Four African heads of state, a prime minister and a special envoy are due to start talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, then his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.
However, this mediation intervenes in the midst of the Ukrainian counter-offensive, with an intensification of the fighting on the ground. “In times of escalating conflict, the search for a peaceful solution must be accelerated at the same time”South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement on Thursday.
“The conditions for peaceful and constructive discussions are no longer met” with the intensification of violence, however, a Congolese diplomatic source told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Wednesday. Thursday evening, Congolese national television announced that President Denis Sassou-Nguesso, whose participation was uncertain, would ultimately not be on the trip. He will be represented by his chief of staff, General Florent Ntsiba.
Two other heads of state withdrew. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who tested positive for Covid-19, has chosen a former prime minister as his special envoy. The Egyptian Abdel Fattah al-Sissi will be replaced by his prime minister. These defections are “likely to weaken the scope of the African initiative”estimated the Congolese source.
At this stage, only the participation of Mr. Ramaphosa, of the Senegalese presidents, Macky Sall, and of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, as well as that of the Comorian president, Azali Assoumani, at the head of the African Union since February, have been confirmed. They must take a train from Poland to reach kyiv on Friday.
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