By Poloko Mokhele
The United States has called on African states including Lesotho to demonstrate unity and speak with one voice against Russia’s “aggression” on Ukraine.
Addressing a virtual media briefing of African journalists on Thursday this week, assistant secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee indicated that: “the United States believes strongly that African voices matter in the international community, that your voice matter in the global conversation.
“We believe that it is critical at this moment that the entire international community demonstrates unity and speaks with one voice against this aggression and in support of principles, timeless principles.”
The briefing was held against the background of the special United Nations General Assembly which convened to vote on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Twenty eight African countries including Lesotho voted in favour and called for an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops in Ukraine, while 17 including South Africa abstained.
“We are not asking you to choose sides. We are asking Africans to join us in choosing the principles I’ve discussed, in choosing people who are now suffering from this assault.
“We recognize that this early conflict, these early days of this conflict are already having an impact on African economies, as they are in the United States and elsewhere in the world,” Phee said.
She further stated that the US is also aware that there have been concerns and alarm about the treatment of Africans who had been studying in Ukraine. However, the Ukraine foreign minister has made clear that all individuals caught up in the chaos must receive equal treatment.
There were three Basotho students who were studying in Ukraine. However, they have all left the country.
