In Kyiv (Ukraine) yesterday, Macky Sall, within the framework of an AU mission, reiterated the continent’s commitment to make the necessary efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The Head of State and five other of his African counterparts who met President Zelensky will be in Russia today to meet Vladimir Putin.

By Dieynaba KANE – Africa wants to play its part to find a solution to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, which has now lasted for more than a year. The Head of State, Macky Sall, and five other of his African counterparts were in Kyiv (Ukraine) yesterday as part of a mediation mission aimed at ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. During this meeting with the Ukrainian President, Macky Sall assured that “Africa will spare no effort to contribute to the restoration of peace”. In the same vein, the Head of State asserted his attachment to dialogue. In this regard, he declares: “We believe in dialogue, and we must always leave the way open to dialogue, in accordance with the principles of sovereignty and the inalienability of borders.”

In addition, Mr. Sall specified that they “came with the will to speak to President Zelensky, considering the appreciation” that they “made of the peace plan that he has already proposed in 10 points”. And to add: “We have seen convergences on which we can build an approach. The first convergence is acceptance by all of the principle of State sovereignty and respect for the borders of all States. From the moment when this convergence, we have it with his plan, we estimate having to hold discussions with him and with the Russian part, the remainder, they are humanitarian questions, the question of the prisoners, the children, the cereals. » However, President Sall made it clear that they cannot “say today that Africa has come with its peace plan”. Still within the framework of this “good offices” mission, this delegation of Heads of State from the African Union will travel to Saint Petersburg (Russia) today to meet President Putin. According to Macky Sall, it will be a question of “also listening to him and discussing with him”. After these meetings, Mr. Sall informs that they will take stock.
In addition, the Head of State specified that their displacement is also part of their “attachment to the Charter of the United Nations, in particular to the principle of the independence and territorial integrity of States”. .

As a reminder, President Macky Sall met his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, last year. The Senegalese head of state, who at the time was the current president of the African Union, pleaded for the establishment of corridors for the transfer of cereals and fertilizers to Africa.