Published on : 23/05/2022 – 14:17
On the occasion of the German Chancellor’s African tour, Olaf Sholz, the Senegalese President, also Chairman-in-Office of the African Union, announced that he would soon visit Russia and Ukraine. Macky Sall once once more pleaded for ” dialogue in the conflict which also impacts the African continent. A divided continent: during the vote of the UN resolution at the beginning of March to condemn Russia, many countries – including Senegal – had abstained.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac
The Chairman of the AU stands as a mediator in this crisis, to ” carry the voice of Africa “. Visits announced on the ground, following phone calls with his Russian counterparts Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelensky. A trip to Moscow by President Macky Sall on behalf of the African Union was originally scheduled for last week, May 18. In the end, it might not take place” for timing reasons “, according to the Senegalese head of state, who indicates that he has “ proposed new dates ».
Macky Sall also announces a trip to kyiv, without specifying a timetable. In a telephone conversation with Volodymyr Zelensky last month, the Ukrainian president made a “ request » pour « communicate with African Heads of State “, according to Dakar. ” This will be done in the coming weeks “, assures the current president of the AU.
Since the beginning of the crisis, Senegal defends a cautious position of non-alignment, despite calls from the foot of several partners. ” Even if we condemn the invasion “said Macky Sall in more explicit terms than previously, “ we want peace », « we are working for there to be a de-escalation, (…) a ceasefire ». « This is the African position “, insisted the Senegalese president, ” it is not to be for or once morest this one or that one “. And to conclude: We fully assume our positions. »