Ukraine raises ambitions, China calls for action, AU warns of "geostrategic battlefield"

Africa, with its 1.3 billion people, has become the center of a struggle for influence among many countries as it grapples with a number of threats to its own peace and security.

Competition for influence in Africa is on the rise. (Source: Istock)

Ukraine said on May 25 that this year it will open more embassies in Africa and hold its first summit with leaders from the continent, where Russia is also waging a diplomatic rivalry.

"We recently adopted our first Africa strategy and have intensified political dialogue with many countries on the continent," Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a statement marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the African Union's predecessor organization.

According to the diplomat, Ukraine "wants to develop a new quality partnership based on three common principles: mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual benefit."

Foreign Minister Kuleba is currently on a tour of Africa and on May 24, in Ethiopia, he called on "African friends" to end their declaration of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

On the same day, May 25, at a reception to celebrate Africa Day in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said that Africa has become increasingly important with its growing international status.

“Entering a new era of building a closer China-Africa community with a shared future, we need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation more than ever,” he said.

The Chinese diplomat called on both sides to resolutely safeguard each other's legitimate rights and interests, and further strengthen mutual support on issues related to sovereignty and development.

In addition, China and Africa should actively promote modernization programs with distinct characteristics as well as promote the synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the African Union's Agenda 2063, etc.

The Chinese Foreign Minister stressed that the two sides should jointly promote the reform of the global governance system, safeguard common interests, and continue to pool the strength of developing countries. They should jointly implement the Global Security Initiative, de-escalate tensions in hotspots, and address non-traditional security challenges.

As many countries are trying to compete for influence in Africa, AU leaders warned on May 25 that the continent must not become a "geostrategic battlefield" for global powers as the continent is grappling with a number of threats to its own peace and security.

AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat stated: "In an international context witnessing confrontation over different political interests, the will of each side risks turning Africa into a geostrategic battlefield, thereby creating a new Cold War."

In this 'zero-sum' game, he said, "others' gains will translate into losses for Africa - it is necessary to resist any form of instrumentalisation of our member states".

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/canh-tranh-o-chau-phi-ukraine-neu-tham-vong-trung-quoc-ra-loi-keu-goi-au-canh-bao-ve-chien-truong-dia-chien-luoc-228559.html