He also called for the implementation of an international commission of inquiry into allegations of human rights violations in Ukraine. This did not deter President Macky Sall, however, from sharply condemning the ill-treatment faced by African civilians fleeing the warzone in Ukraine for neighboring countries on March 3, 2022. Some might even characterize this neutrality as a long running tradition that allows the country to maintain channels of communication with all conflicting parties in a crisis. Senegal is known to be a country that fosters dialogue - neutrality being a key component of its diplomacy. ![]() Such a posture is reflective of the country's diplomacy throughout history. Many were surprised by Senegal's decision to abstain, particularly in Europe, but a closer look at recent history shows that the country had adopted a similar stance when voting on Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Sall called for a lasting ceasefire while also commending Putin's willingness to listen and keep open lines of communication toward a negotiated solution to the conflict. ![]() On March 9, 2022, in his capacity as chair of the African Union, Macky Sall held a phone conversation with the Russian leader. Senegal abstained from voting on the resolution and Senegalese President Macky Sall made a point of reminding Russian President Vladimir Putin of this decision during his recent visit to Russia. The first was the United Nations General Assembly resolution of Mademanding that Moscow immediately withdraw its military forces from Ukrainian territory. Senegal appears to be taking a neutral position on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, having chosen to abstain on two consecutive votes at the United Nations following Russia's invasion. Where does Senegal stand on the conflict? And how does it justify its position? ![]() Senegal, whose President Macky Sall holds the rotating chairmanship of the African Union, abstained from the United Nations General Assembly vote on March 2 demanding that Russia " immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders". How should Senegal’s posture toward the conflict be understood? For this 4t h installment of Ukraine Beyond the West, Babacar Ndiaye, Director of Research and Publications at WATHI, argues it could be a sign of Africa reviving its historical position of nonalignment with the West. Senegal abstained from the March 2 UN General Assembly vote, condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, yet while visiting Vladimir Putin in Moscow in early June, Senegalese President Macky Sall called for an end to the war.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |