Pretoria, South Africa – (African Boulevard News) – A delegation of African leaders, led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, made a historic visit to the Ukrainian town of Bucha in June 2023. The town, located 30 kilometers from the capital, Kyiv, was the site of one of the worst massacres perpetrated by Russian forces in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Joined by several African heads of state, including Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, the delegation paid their respects to the victims of the Bucha Massacre, which claimed the lives of over 100 civilians in 2022.
The visit comes as Ukraine continues to face aggression from Russian forces, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and the displacement of millions. President Ramaphosa noted the significance of the visit in solidarity with Ukraine.
“South Africa has always been committed to the principles of territorial integrity and non-interference in the affairs of other states. We stand with Ukraine and the people of Bucha, who have suffered unimaginable loss and trauma in this conflict,” said President Ramaphosa.
The delegation was received by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who praised the African leaders for their show of solidarity.
“We welcome this visit by our African brothers and sisters, who have come to express their support for the people of Ukraine. This visit sends a strong message to the world that the atrocities committed by Russian forces in Bucha and other parts of Ukraine cannot go unpunished,” said President Zelensky.
During the visit, the African leaders met with survivors of the Bucha Massacre and heard their harrowing stories of loss and survival. The delegation also visited a memorial erected in memory of the victims, where they laid wreaths and observed a moment of silence.
The visit to Bucha reflects the growing role of African countries in global affairs, as they continue to assert their voice on issues affecting the continent and beyond. The solidarity shown by the African leaders in Ukraine sends a message of hope and resilience to the people of Bucha and millions of others affected by conflict around the world.
As President Ramaphosa stated, “Our presence here today is a reminder that in the face of conflict, we must stand together in solidarity, and work towards a peaceful and just world for all.”
