ECOWAS official repeats Russian 'genocide' rhetoric, Ukraine calls for condemnation
Illustrative image (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
During a conference in Sochi, the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security repeated Russian narratives regarding a “genocide in Donbas.” The leadership of the organization must condemn these disgraceful remarks, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
The MFA of Ukraine expressed outrage at Abdul-Fatau Musah’s statement against Ukraine, which included claims of “genocide in Donbas,” “state terrorism,” and accusations of involvement in destabilizing African countries. According to the MFA, such remarks simply amplify Russian propaganda, which bears no relation to reality.
"These contemptuous and false statements also discredit their author, as they contradict documented facts in numerous UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, as well as decisions by other international organizations," the ministry added.
Ukraine's MFA demands that ECOWAS leadership condemn the commissioner’s statements and avoid similar comments in the future, as they contradict the spirit of friendship and mutual respect between Ukraine and the African continent.
Ukraine-Africa relations
Relations between Ukraine and African countries have significantly intensified since the start of the full-scale war in 2022. This development is partly driven by the need to strengthen international support for Ukraine, reduce Russia's influence on global politics and economics, and find new markets for Ukrainian goods, especially given the limited access to traditional markets.
In 2022, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba embarked on Ukraine’s first African tour since the full-scale war began. He also visited the continent twice more in 2023.
