South Africa announced that a peace delegation of six African leaders intends to begin a mission to mediate the Russian-Ukrainian conflict "in mid-June".
African leaders met on June 5 and agreed that they would discuss with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "the elements of a ceasefire and lasting peace in the region," South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's office said today.
According to the announcement, the African presidents confirmed their readiness to visit Ukraine and Russia "in mid-June", but did not specify a date or itinerary.
Africa will "find a way for both sides to commit they also want to end the conflict through peaceful means," Ramaphosa said. The two sides "need to state their views on the war and what is the minimum requirement to end the conflict". Africa will also offer a perspective on how conflict has affected the continent.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks at a press conference in Pretoria on March 16. Image: AFP
Mr. Ramaphosa said in May that the African peace delegation included the presidents of six countries: Zambia, Senegal, the Republic of Congo, Uganda, Egypt and South Africa. He said that President Putin and President Zelensky had both agreed to receive the African delegation.
South Africa has refused to condemn Russia's war in Ukraine. The country says it wants to stay neutral and support dialogue to end the conflict. Mr. Ramaphosa said on May 15 that South Africa would not be drawn "into the competition between global powers" over Ukraine.
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