Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked to address the African Union (AU), according to Senegalese President Macky Sall. Sall, who currently chairs the AU, shared on Twitter that he and Zelensky held a phone conversation focused on the global economic repercussions of the conflict in Ukraine and the importance of promoting dialogue toward a negotiated resolution.
During the discussion, Zelensky formally requested an opportunity to speak before the AU, highlighting Kyiv’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic engagement with the African continent.
The request comes at a time when Africa remains split over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. During an April 7 United Nations General Assembly vote to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council, 58 countries abstained, including 24 African nations – among them Senegal. Meanwhile, nine African states supported the motion, while another nine opposed it.
Zelensky’s outreach signals Ukraine’s attempt to garner broader international support, particularly from regions where political alignment on the conflict has been mixed.
