The African leaders on Sunday, June 18, 2023 concluded a 2-days working visit to the Ukraine and the Russian Federation where they proposed a path for peace to the 16 month long conflict between the two countries.
According to the statement released by the South African Presidency, stated that this proposal presented on a mission to Ukraine and Russia has created a foundation for future engagements that will contribute to a road to peace and resolution to the devastating conflict.
The African Heads of States and Government who had earlier met with Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy for peace talks and later to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, asserted several key elements that are vital in starting a path to peace.
Some of the elements include the de-escalation of the conflict; release of the prisoners of war and children, adherence to the principle of the UN Charter on Sovereignty; ensuring that there is humanitarian support for those in need and post war reconstruction amongst others.
It was said that the Peace Mission to Ukraine and Russia has wrapped up its first round of engagements with both warring parties to the conflict while South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa is encouraged by the warm reception that the delegation received from the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia.
The Heads of State which consists, South Africa, Zambia, the Comoros and Senegal, Government of Congo Brazzaville, Egypt, and Uganda, as participants in the African Leaders Peace Mission to Ukraine and Russia.
These African heads of state met with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy and Russia’s Vladimir Putin to seek a road to peace to the 16 months long conflict between the two countries which has thus caused devastating economic impact, loss of life and global instability.