Despite ongoing diplomatic friction with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, July 21, reiterated his commitment to strengthening dialogue with African leaders.
He specifically articulated a desire to forge new economic and security partnerships, aiming to counter Russian influence on the continent.
“The African context is very important to us. We must engage more in dialogue with Africa,” Zelensky stated in a message conveyed by the Ukrainian presidency.
Economically, the Ukrainian leader highlighted the construction of grain centers in Africa, describing them as “an important economic factor in strengthening bilateral relations” based on “mutual interest.” On the security front, Zelensky expressed Ukraine’s intent to cooperate with African nations post-conflict with Russia. “We want the Ukrainian defense sector to work with Africa and that, in this way, through competition and other forms of pressure, we can oust Russian influence,” he added.
Zelensky clarified that Ukraine’s approach is not to “impose influence” or “choose African leaders like Russia does,” but rather to offer partners “economy and security.”
He further noted a perceived shift in African attitudes towards Moscow, claiming that “most of the major influential powers in Africa no longer trust Putin.” Zelensky cited the South African president, who reportedly stated he “sees no willingness from Putin to end the war,” a development Zelensky described as a “fundamental change in attitude after many years.”
This outreach comes at a time when relations between Kyiv and several African capitals, notably Bamako, Niamey, and Ouagadougou, have soured in recent months. These Sahelian countries accuse Ukrainian authorities of supporting the armed rebellion in northern Mali, following public acknowledgements of such support by Ukrainian officials, including the Ukrainian ambassador to Dakar. As a result, Mali and Niger have severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine, while Burkina Faso has reportedly filed a complaint against Kyiv with relevant authorities.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA