US seeks AU support against Russia for Ukraine invasion
Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The US is seeking the support of the African Union (AU) against Russia for invading Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday spoke with Senegalese President and current chairman of the AU, Macky Sall, and "underscored the importance of supporting Ukraine against Russia's premeditated and unprovoked invasion," a statement issued by the US State Department said.
The terse statement added that Mr. Blinken also reaffirmed "the strength of US partnership" with both the AU and Senegal.
The top US diplomat and the AU chairman discussed his priorities as AU Chair, focusing on combating the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the climate crisis, and bolstering democracy on the continent, the statement said.
Many African countries have condemned the invasion with President Sall and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, expressing their "extreme concern at the very serious and dangerous situation created in Ukraine".
In a statement at the outbreak of the war, they called on the Russian Federation and any other regional or international actor to "imperatively respect international law, the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Ukraine".
They also urged the two Parties to establish an immediate ceasefire and to open political negotiations without delay , under the auspices of the United Nations, in order to preserve the world from the consequences of planetary conflict, and in the interests of peace and stability in international relations in service of all the peoples of the world.
The AU has also said it is disturbed by reports that African citizens on the Ukrainian side of the border are being refused the right to cross to safety as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues.
"Reports that Africans are singled out for unacceptable dissimilar treatment would be shockingly racist and in breach of international law," a statement issued by the AU said last Monday.
-0- PANA MA 4March2022
