South African President Arrives in Russia as Part of Peace Mission Amid Ukraine Conflict

Sat Jun 17 2023
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MOSCOW: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Saint Petersburg, Russia on Saturday as part of an African delegation aimed at facilitating negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, even as doubts about the prospects of success continue to grow. The African leaders seek to amplify the voice of the continent, which has been adversely affected by economic challenges resulting from the ongoing conflict.

President Ramaphosa’s visit to Saint Petersburg follows constructive discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as stated by the South African presidency. The delegation’s primary objective is to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in search of a path to peace that can bring an end to the 16-month-long conflict, which has caused significant economic repercussions, loss of life, and global instability.

The mission comprises four presidents: Ramaphosa, Senegal’s Macky Sall, Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, and Comoros’ Azali Assoumani, who currently heads the African Union. However, the leaders of Uganda, Egypt, and Congo-Brazzaville withdrew from the visit at the last moment, sending representatives instead.

Experts warned that the efforts to secure peace are becoming increasingly challenging, with both Kyiv and Moscow convinced of their ability to prevail on the battlefield. While Ramaphosa emphasized the need for de-escalation on both sides and called for peace through negotiations during a press conference in Kyiv, President Zelensky dismissed the possibility, asserting that allowing negotiations with Russia while it occupies Ukrainian territory would only prolong pain and suffering.

South African President Stresses Diplomacy

Ramaphosa stressed the importance of carefully listening to the perspectives of both countries, stating, “tomorrow we are now going to listen to President Putin.” However, the visit to Kyiv had a tense start, as an air raid siren sounded shortly after the delegation’s arrival, prompting Zelensky to suggest that Putin either lacked control over his army or acted irrationally. Ramaphosa interpreted the incident as evidence that both sides must cease hostilities.

The visit of the African delegation coincides with developments on the battlefield, with Kyiv launching a counteroffensive and Moscow focusing on military advancements. Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu called for increased tank production to meet the needs of Russian forces in Ukraine. Kyiv reported tactical successes in various regions where its units are engaged in the conflict.

While Russia conducts military operations in what it considers its sphere of influence, Putin portrays the country as a bulwark against neocolonialism. The Russian president, speaking at the Saint Petersburg Economic Forum, expressed little doubt about Ukraine’s armed forces’ chances of success and dismissed the possibility of talks. He also accused the West of hindering Russia’s fertilizer exports and threatened to terminate a deal allowing Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea, set to expire on July 17.

Resolving the conflict and safeguarding the agreement enabling Ukrainian grain exports to reach global markets are potential goals of the African delegation’s visit. Ramaphosa highlighted the negative impact of the conflict on African countries, affecting the livelihoods of 1.2 to 1.3 billion people on the continent.

Analysts suggested that the mediation effort could aim to secure concessions from the Kremlin ahead of a Russia-Africa summit scheduled for the following month. The release of political prisoners and the resumption of fertilizer exports may also feature on the agenda during the discussions in Moscow.

Zelensky urged the African leaders to prioritize the release of political prisoners, emphasizing its significance. The African countries have had varied responses to the conflict, with some siding with Ukraine while others remain neutral or lean towards Moscow.

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