New York – (African Boulevard News) – Twenty-three African nations have refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began a year ago, in a United Nations General Assembly vote on Thursday. The resolution, which called for a halt to fighting and the withdrawal of Moscow’s forces, received support from 141 countries. However, 32 countries abstained from voting, while seven others, including Russia, North Korea, and Syria, voted against it. Among the opposing nations were two African states, Mali and Eritrea. Fifteen African nations abstained, while six others declined to take part in the vote.
In a disheartening turn of events, Mali has reversed its position yet again to vote against the U.N. resolution on Ukraine, pledging allegiance to Russia. Despite abstaining from voting on two previous occasions, Mali has now taken a step towards endorsing Russia’s deplorable actions in Ukraine. This decision will undoubtedly have severe global implications, leading to heightened tensions and further destabilization.
Ugandan Foreign Minister Abubaker Jeje Odongo questioned the fairness of being asked to condemn Russia, a country that never colonized his nation. Meanwhile, the Chinese deputy UN ambassador Dai Bing expressed support for Russia and Ukraine to move towards peace talks. Venezuelan deputy ambassador Joaquin Perez Ayestaran called for all countries to comply strictly with the United Nations Charter, taking a dig at the US and Europe’s domination of the international order.
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, welcomed the resolution, hailing it as a powerful signal of global support. The US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan described the vote as “an overwhelming demonstration of support for Ukraine,” despite the US ignoring general assembly votes condemning its blockade of Cuba for the past 31 years.
