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Africa's Peace Initiative Could End Conflict in Ukraine, Expert Says

© AFP 2023 SERGEI CHIRIKOVRussian President Vladimir Putin (C) shakes hands with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (R) prior to a family photo with heads of countries taking part in the 2019 Russia-Africa Summit at the Sirius Park of Science and Art in Sochi on October 24, 2019
Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) shakes hands with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (R) prior to a family photo with heads of countries taking part in the 2019 Russia-Africa Summit at the Sirius Park of Science and Art in Sochi on October 24, 2019 - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 06.06.2023
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The director of the Arab Center for Strategic Studies, Muhammad Sadiq Ismail, has commented for Sputnik Africa on the destruction of the upper part of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant as a result of shelling by the Ukrainian Armed Forces as well as the mediation of Africa in a settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
As Africa enjoys strong connections with both Russia and Ukraine, it is crucial to pay attention to its peace proposal for a swift resolution to the situation in Ukraine, director of the Arab Center for Strategic Studies, Muhammad Sadiq Ismail, told Sputnik Africa.

"Moreover, the African continent has good relations with both Russia and Ukraine. Africa is interested in resolving this crisis because it is, in fact, the cause of the food crisis on the continent. At the same time, Russia invests a lot in African countries, thereby strengthening cooperation with them. That is why it is so important to listen to Africa and its peaceful initiative for a speedy end to the conflict in Ukraine," Ismail emphasized.

He outlined that the sides need a mediator like Africa, which is not interested in prolonging the conflict.
 - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 06.06.2023
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According to the expert, international organizations and global powers, including the United States and European states, are not neutral parties, "most of them stand up for Ukraine," while Africa is a neutral side regarding the conflict.

"Everything they [the Ukrainians] do, especially with regard to the civilian population, is actively covered up by the Western media," he outlined.

According to the expert, all the acts of sabotage by the Ukrainian Armed Forces are intended to damage Russia as a nation-state, in addition to handing it a strategic defeat.
The expert also stated that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine must be stopped, reiterating that it is necessary for the parties to "sit down at the negotiating table."
"The fastest way to complete the Russian special operation in Ukraine is to launch a political negotiation process between the two countries," the expert concluded.
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