Ramaphosa meets Putin and presents 10-point plan to end war between Ukraine and Russia
President Cyril Ramaphosa makes a case for ending the war, saying it has had a negative effect on the continent.
Representing African heads of state, President Cyril Ramaphosa has presented a plan for the cessation of war to both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian head of state Vladimir Putin.
The heads of state of Comoros, Zambia, and Senegal, were part of the African delegation that initiated peace talks, along with South Africa, meeting Zelensky first in Kyiv followed by Putin in St Petersburg. Heads of state from Egypt, Congo and Uganda pulled out of the mission hours before its departure on Thursday.
During Saturday's meetings, Ramaphosa highlighted the adverse effects that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had on Africa.
“As a continent we are being negatively affected because of the conflict. The prices of commodities, particularly grain and fertiliser, the price of fuel, have all gone up and this is a consequence of the war that is ongoing. It is as a collective interest that the war should come to an end,” he said.
Ramaphosa went on to outline a proposal that has been agreed upon by the seven countries involved in the mission:
- Both leaders must listen to one another;
- The war must be settled through negotiations and diplomatic means;
- There must be a de-escalation of conflict on both sides;
- The sovereignty of countries in terms of the UN Charter and internationally recognised principles should be recognised;
- There needs to be a guarantee of security for all the countries involved. This issue has been raised by all sides;
- The movement of grains across the Black Sea must be opened up to remove blockages so that commodities can reach markets;
- Humanitarian efforts must be set up for those affected by the war;
- Prisoners of war must be released and children returned to Ukraine;
- There must be reconstruction of the destruction caused by the war; and
- Further engagements should be held to encourage more dialogue through the Africa Peace Mission.
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