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The European Union Delegation in Zambia says Africa has suffered the most from Russia’s unprovoked full scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, due to disruptions in food aid.
Despite the many hurdles imposed on Ukraine by this unjustified war, the EU delegation notes that this European country is still trying its best to help Zambia and other African countries in need of its assistance.
Three years have passed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking a significant turning point in global stability.
As the world grapples with the ongoing implications of Russian aggression, African nations are facing unprecedented challenges.
Historically, many African countries have maintained a neutral stance in global conflicts, but Russia’s actions have forced them to confront the geopolitical and economic fallout.
Russia’s Continued Obstruction to Peace and Stability
Russia has consistently rejected calls for de-escalation or peace talks, prolonging the destructive conflict in Ukraine.
This resistance to compromise undermines peace efforts and poses broader challenges for global peace and stability, including Africa’s security landscape.
Despite calls from international bodies, including the African Union, Russia has shown little interest in ceasefires or dialogue.
The ongoing conflict has significant implications for international stability, as it challenges the post-World War II order based on international laws and norms.
The invasion violates the UN Charter, and if Russia prevails, international stability will erode, signifying a lack of international resolve and appeasement to aggression.
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EU Ambassador in Zambia, Ms Karolina Stasiak says the EU deploys all means to support Ukraine’s sovereignty, self-determination and territorial integrity, adding that Ukraine’s future is in Europe.
“Today (yesterday) marks a grim milestone. For three years, Russia has brutally attacked Ukraine and occupied Ukranian territories.
Right now, more than ever, we have to support Ukraine,” Ms Stasiak said in her message to commemorate three years of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine.
Czech Ambassador to Zambia, Pavel Prochazka, says there can be no decision on Ukraine without Ukraine’s engagement and without Europe.
Russian Aggression and Global Instability
Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has created deep geopolitical rifts worldwide, reigniting Cold War-era divisions and causing tensions between Russia and Western countries, as well as between Russia and many African nations.
The conflict has also worsened the economic outlook for many African nations by driving up global food and energy prices.
The international community must take measures to moderate Russian aberrant foreign policy and uphold the global order.
A key factor in this conflict is recognizing the limitations of Russian military power and the critical role the energy sector plays in the global balance of power and stability.
The Negative Impact of Russian Aggression on Africa
Russia’s war has directly impacted Africans through expansionism, exploitation, and destabilization. The Wagner Group, a Russian state-backed private military company, has been linked to war crimes in Ukraine and human rights abuses in Africa, including in Libya, Mali, and Sudan.
* Expansionism and Exploitation: Russia is propping up unpopular and violent autocratic regimes in exchange for exploitation of their mineral wealth. The Wagner Group exploits African resources and recruits African fighters to support Russia’s war economy.
* Destabilization: Russia’s actions have empowered states with expansionist ambitions, such as Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This has led to massive and needless damage to civilian populations.
* Human Cost: The devastating impact of Russia’s actions on African nations and their citizens is exemplified by the story of Lemekani Nyirenda, a young Zambian student who was recruited by Russia’s Wagner Group while serving a prison sentence in Moscow. Nyirenda was coerced into fighting in Ukraine in exchange for amnesty and was killed on September 22, 2022.
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* Promotion of human trafficking: Recruitment of young girls from Africa between 18 and 22 years by the Alabuga Start Programme, which is deploying them in enemy drone manufacturing plants in Alabuga, Russia.
* Food Security and Economy: The war in Ukraine has disrupted grain exports, resulting in widespread food shortages in Africa. The World Food Programme has reported a sharp rise in hunger levels across the continent.
Opportunities to Restore European and International Stability
The European Union delegation in Zambia comprising Ambassador Stasiak, Ambassador Prochazka, Finnish Ambassador to Zambia Saana Halinen, Swedish Ambassador Johan Hallenborg, German Ambassador Anne Wagner-Mitchell, French Ambassador Thomas Rossignol, Irish Ambassador Bronagh Carr and Italian Ambassador Dr Enrica de Agostini, have said the damage caused by the war has been immense.
“Due to Russia’s war of aggression, countries that used to depend on Ukrainian grain have been impacted. While the justified sanctions – aimed at reducing Russia’s financial ability to wage its illegal war – have not targeted trade in agricultural and food products, Russia’s own actions have prevented parts of Ukrainian grain from flowing abroad.
Africa has suffered the most.
It is remarkable that Ukraine, a country at war, is able to donate grain and other products to countries in Africa. Zambia is one of the countries set to benefit,” the stated in a joint statement on February 24.
The international community must work together to promote peace, stability, and respect for territorial integrity. Diplomatic isolation of Russia should continue until its military forces are defeated and withdraw completely from Ukraine.
The International Court of Justice and other entities should pursue legal proceedings against Russian leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The United States should reassess its energy export policies to support European energy needs and deprive Russia of energy export revenues, which is the most effective means of impairing its war economy.
Increased security force assistance to the Ukrainian government is essential for both conventional and unconventional operations.
The Allied coalition should comprise all countries willing to render support and establish secure bases of operation to support the Ukrainian cause.
International condemnation, sanctions, and isolation have the potential to impose significant pressure on the Russian military, economy, and national will.
In conclusion, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had far-reaching consequences for Africa, threatening global stability and the continent’s security.
The international community must work together to promote peace, stability, and respect for territorial integrity, and African nations must navigate the geopolitical and economic fallout.
“In a world that is increasingly threatened by international conflict, the only way to preserve peace – or to work towards it – is to use tools provided by international law.
We no longer accept the conqueror’s right to act as they please. Ukraine has the right to continue its existence as an independent nation and choose its own partners. All countries must have this right. European countries. African countries. Zambia would not give up this right, why should Ukraine?” wondered the Ambassadors representing European countries in Zambia.
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