Why Russia’s invasion of Ukraine divides Africa

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Many western countries condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, some African countries have not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Russia-Ukraine crisis has still divided Africa.

The resolution to stop the Russia-Ukraine war was adopted on Thursday at the United Nations. The resolution called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.

Recently, One hundred forty-one countries voted in favour of a UN (United Nations) general assembly resolution that condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They voted in favour of a resolution demanding Russia withdraw its troops from Ukraine. However, 32 countries abstained from voting. African countries reportedly accounted for nearly half of all abstentions. These countries said that their position was not aligned with Russia or Ukraine.

Mali, a country in West Africa, voted against this week’s resolution, coming out in support of Russia. Earlier this month, Mali welcomed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, Nicaragua, Russia, and Syria also voted against the resolution.

South Africa also abstained from voting on the resolution. Algeria, Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, Togo, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Namibia and Zimbabwe also abstained from voting.

However, Morocco, Madagascar and South Sudan voted in favour of the resolution. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to Yoweri Museveni, the President of Uganda. However, Uganda did not vote in favour of the resolution.

Some African countries enjoy good relations with Russia. Eritrea and Mali have also maintained good relations with Russia. The African continent has over 40 countries. Their stance does not match the Russia-Ukraine war.

South Africa is currently hosting 10 days of military exercises with China and Russia. African nations have different stances on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Western nations have openly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The top US officials have openly criticised Russia’s policies.

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