Uganda, 5 other African countries to send a peace delegation to mediate the Russia-Ukraine conflict

According to Al Jazeera, an international broadcaster, the African countries to send delegates include: Uganda, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Zambia and Senegal.

The Ukraine-Russia war that started last year in February has immensely affected the African continent which relies heavily on food supplies, most especially wheat, from both countries.

The mediation is expected to, among others, lead to the opening up of food supply routes to Africa.

The announcement comes at the backdrop of allegations by the American ambassador to South Africa that the country is supplying arms to Russia.

Reports that leaked two months ago alleged that Egypt, one of the countries sending delegates, had agreed to supply rockets to Russia. The Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, however refuted the allegations saying nothing of sorts was agreed to.

It was later revealed through the Egyptian media that Russia is helping the Egyptian Government build a nuclear power plant.

In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in what it called a “special military operation.”

Russia’s move was however heavily criticised by western powers (most especially the US) which argued that Ukraine is a sovereign nation whose borders need to be respected.

Russia on the hand claimed the US was turning Ukraine into a anti-Russian satellite nation whose actions represent American interests to weaken Russia.

The war that has lasted for now more than a year has had thousands of people die and displaced to Europe, Ukraine’s closest neighbour.