A DELEGATION of African leaders is set to embark on a mediation mission in the Russia-Ukraine war, with their arrival in Poland scheduled for Thursday. Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni announced in a statement on Twitter that he would not be able to join the group due to his ongoing battle with the coronavirus.
Museveni expressed his regret, stating, ‘I was supposed to have joined them tomorrow [Thursday]. I have now sent an official message that, on account of my continued corona [virus] status, I cannot join the group.’
The African leaders, comprising the presidents of Comoros, Egypt, South Africa, Senegal, Congo-Brazzaville, and Zambia, are expected to arrive in Poland on Thursday before embarking on a train trip to Kyiv, where they aim to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine war. Their primary objective is to persuade both Ukraine and Russia to engage in talks that could potentially bring an end to the ongoing conflict.
President Museveni, aged 78, has designated Ruhakana Rugunda, a former prime minister, to represent him as he continues to recover from Covid-19, which he has been battling for the past week.
Last week, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, during which he briefed him about the ‘African leaders’ peace mission.’ Ramaphosa’s office issued a statement confirming that President Putin welcomed the initiative by the African heads of state and expressed his willingness to meet with the peace mission.
President Museveni expressed his well-wishes for the mission, saying, ‘From Poland, they will go to Russia to meet with the Russians. I wish the mission success,’ in his official statement.
As the African leaders embark on their mediation efforts, hopes remain high for a positive outcome that could contribute to resolving the Russia-Ukraine war.
