Ukrainian MFA Condemns Pan-African Delegation’s Visit to Russian-Occupied Donetsk Region

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a protest against a visit by a delegation from the Pan-African Parliament to the Russian-occupied territory of the Donetsk region, condemning the visit as a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law, according to the ministry’s statement on December 16.

“By participating in this Russian propaganda stunt, the African parliamentarians demonstrated blatant disrespect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while disregarding the fundamental principles of international law,” the statement read.

Ukraine emphasized that the visit contradicts the spirit of friendship and mutual respect that has historically defined Ukraine’s relations with African nations. It also damages the reputation of the Pan-African Parliament, an institution established in 2004 under the African Union to promote peace, security, and stability on the continent.

Furthermore, the ministry added that the visit undermines the joint statement made by the Chairperson of the African Union and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on February 24, 2022. That statement urged Russia and other international actors to “strictly respect international law, the territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Ukraine,” Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry noted.

MFA urged the African Union to avoid engaging with Russian-installed authorities in occupied Ukrainian territories.

“We hope that this visit and the statements made during it do not reflect the official position of the African Union or the Pan-African Parliament,” the ministry said.

Ukraine called on the leadership of the African Union and the Pan-African Parliament to strongly condemn the delegation’s visit and refrain from any future contact with representatives of Russia’s occupation administration.

Russian media reported that 16 delegates from African countries, including Ethiopia, Malawi, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Somalia, Mozambique, and others, had visited the occupied region.

Earlier, the Institute for the Study of War reported that the loss of military bases in Syria could significantly threaten Russia’s operational capabilities in Africa. It would diminish Russia’s leverage in Libya and sub-Saharan Africa while also challenging its influence over authoritarian regimes on the continent.