The office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a statement, declaring that the African peace mission to Ukraine and Russia has laid the foundation for a peace process in the conflict.
“President Ramaphosa has today, 18 June 2023, concluded a two-days working visit to the Ukraine and the Russian Federation where African leaders proposed a path for peace to the 16 month long conflict between the two countries,” South African president’s office said.
The statement said that the elements presented by the mission “will contribute to a road to peace and resolution to the devastating conflict.”
“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.
“The Peace Mission to Ukraine and Russia has wrapped up its first round of engagements with both warring parties to the conflict.
“President Ramaphosa is encouraged by the warm reception that the delegation received from the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia.” (https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/press-statements/president-ramaphosa-presses-africa%27s-proposal-path-peace )
In his weekly national address on June 19, President Ramaphosa said the African delegation spoke to both Ukraine and Russia on the need for a stable supply of grain shipments via the Black Sea. “One of the points of the peaceful proposal offered forward by African leaders [to the Presidents of Russia and Ukraine] is the opening of grain supply from Russia and from Ukraine through the Black Sea to global markets,” he said. “Russia and Ukraine are major suppliers of grain and producers of fertilizers meant for African markets. According to the African Development Bank, the conflict [in Ukraine] has led to the shortage of around 30 million tons of grain on the African continent, as well as a sharp rise in its price. As a result of the conflict, African countries are suffering from growth of prices for food and energy,” the President declared.
The African delegation included President of the Comoros Azali Assoumani, who is currently president of the African Union; South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, President of Senegal Macky Sall, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, special envoy for the president of the Republic of the Congo Florent Nsiba, and special envoy for the president of Uganda Ruhakana Rugunda.
