Leaders of Africa’s Russia-Ukraine mediation initiative agree to continue intensified efforts

CAIRO – 29 July 2023: Leaders of the countries that are part of the African initiative to mediate between the Russian and Ukrainian sides have agreed to continue their intensified efforts within the initiative during the coming period.

In a meeting in St. Petersburg with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday on the sidelines of the second Russia-Africa Summit, the leaders stressed Africa’s fundamental interest in working to end the conflict, the Egyptian Presidency said in a statement.

This African interest to end the crisis comes in light of the huge negative impacts of the conflict on many vital sectors, including food, energy and international funding.

The leaders have agreed on continue their intensified efforts within the initiative by formulating the necessary mechanisms that encourage the Russian and Ukrainian sides to engage positively during the coming period.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated in the meeting.

The African initiative seeking to settle the Ukraine crisis includes Egypt, South Africa, Senegal, Comoros, Zambia, Uganda and the Republic of the Congo.

Last month, the delegation made its first visit to each of Ukraine and Russia and held talks with their presidents in a bid to help settle the crisis.

The African leaders, including Sisi, participated on Thursday in a meeting for the African leaders in Russian St. Petersburg to discuss the mediation initiative.

President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros, the current chair of the African Union, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo, President Macky Sall of Senegal and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda attended the meeting.