The US Ambassador to the United Nations, UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield says African states cannot remain neutral on the war in Ukraine.
She noted that in the General Assembly vote two weeks ago to deplore the Russian invasion of Ukraine, 17 African countries – half of the world total, abstained and another eight did not vote at all. The ambassador said there can be no neutral ground, and that this crisis was not simply a Cold War competition between the West and Russia.
Linda added that the US was helping to find alternative sources of commodities which countries import from Russia. The diplomat also said the US would support South Africa’s offer to mediate between Russia and Ukraine.
In another development, the Ethiopian government has refuted allegations that it is blocking aid from reaching Tigray region where there has been conflict for more than a year.
Director General, World Health Organization, WHO Tedros Ghebreyesus, had called on the government to end the blockade that has hindered humanitarian supplies delivery to Tigray.
But Ethiopia’s Communication Minister Legesse Tulu said the WHO should blame the Tigray People’s Liberation Front for the blockade and not the government.
