National interests prevail as African leaders tread carefully on Ukraine crisis
Ukrainians scamper out of a burning house that was shelled by Russian fighters in the city of Irpin, outside Kyiv, on March 4, 2022. African states have largely steered clear of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine. PHOTO | AFP
While African leaders have been vocal and united in condemning discrimination against Africans in the humanitarian assistance in Ukraine, they are cautious in the condemnation of the aggression by Russia.
Save for Kenya, Eastern African states have stayed away from vigorously commenting on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but the racism in its wake has angered Africans.
Ethiopian and Ugandan militaries are the most exposed to Russia-related sanctions, because of their over-reliance on Russian aircraft.
