South Africa’s President Ramaphosa Supports Ukraine’s Ceasefire Initiative
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Pretoria on April 24, 2024. Ramaphosa praised Zelensky’s agreement to an unconditional ceasefire and expressed South Africa’s commitment to facilitating peace talks. This meeting represents a shift in South Africa’s previously neutral stance toward the conflict with Russia, emphasizing an urgent need for resolution.
On April 24, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited South Africa and met with President Cyril Ramaphosa. During their talks in Pretoria, Ramaphosa praised Zelensky’s support for an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, which he described as a positive step for initiating peace discussions. This comes during a time when both leaders are pushing for an end to the ongoing conflict with Russia that has lasted over three years.
President Ramaphosa expressed that Zelensky’s agreement to an unconditional ceasefire serves as a significant confidence-building measure vital to negotiations. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, sharing details about his recent conversation with US President Donald Trump, where they both concurred on the need to end the war as swiftly as possible to prevent further loss of life.
Despite welcoming Zelensky, Ramaphosa has maintained strong ties with Russia, a historic ally of South Africa. He mentioned a recent dialogue with President Putin focused on working toward peaceful solutions for the conflict. Ramaphosa also highlighted South Africa’s readiness to contribute to a comprehensive multilateral peace effort, calling on both nations to achieve a ceasefire.
Zelensky acknowledged the importance of South Africa’s support in potentially pressuring Russia to comply with a ceasefire, remarking that global unity is essential in this pursuit. The Ukrainian president stressed the role of the G20, particularly under South Africa’s presidency, in promoting peace and protecting lives globally. He even presented Ramaphosa with a list of 400 Ukrainian children believed to be held in Russia, seeking assistance in their return.
The Ukrainian leader’s visit came under a cloud, as he had to cut it short to return to Kyiv following a devastating strike that left a dozen people dead. This visit is noteworthy as it marks a shift in South Africa’s previously non-aligned stance regarding the conflict, especially after voting to criticize Russia at the UN for its invasion of Ukraine.
Ramaphosa pointed out the lessons from South Africa’s own history, highlighting the importance of conducting negotiations without preconditions, as was the case during the end of apartheid in the 1990s. He commended Zelensky for making strides in strengthening Ukraine’s ties to Africa, while also noting Russia’s growing influence on the continent amidst its isolation by Western nations due to the war.
In conclusion, the meeting between Presidents Ramaphosa and Zelensky marks a pivotal moment for South Africa, showing its willingness to engage meaningfully in global peace efforts regarding Ukraine. With Ramaphosa pushing for a comprehensive ceasefire and emphasizing the importance of negotiations, it appears that Pretoria is ready to take a more active role in addressing the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. As geopolitical alliances shift, both leaders’ actions may have significant implications for the ongoing war and peace processes in the region.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
