Ramaphosa: Africa must plan recovery from Russia, Ukraine conflict
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the African continent needs to develop a plan to deal with the aftermath of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Ramaphosa addressed South African diplomats at the Heads of Mission Conference in Pretoria on Thursday.
Negotiations continue as various country leaders mediate for peaceful negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The United States has announced another round of sanctions on Russian financial institutions.
Ramaphosa said the continent needs a plan for economic recovery as the impact of the conflict deepens.
“We are deeply concerned about the broader implications of the conflict in Ukraine for the global economic recovery. It has disrupted global supply chains, driven up the price of essential commodities and plunged the world into a new era of economic instability and uncertainty.
Our continent is also affected negatively as a result of this conflict, food and fuel prices are skyrocketing affecting the livelihood of many of the people on our continent. There is a need for us in Africa to develop a clear position on how we should respond to the consequences of this conflict.”
Ramaphosa urged diplomats to repeat the same position when representing South Africa abroad.
“As we look to recovery and reconstruction, I call on you as Heads of Mission to use all the diplomatic tools at your disposal to advance the political, economic and social interests of South Africa and the rest of the Continent.
The coming into operation of the African Continental Free Trade Area is the singular most important step towards continental economic integration.
“It is up to us to ensure its success. Our missions must be at the forefront of building networks and being part of activities to strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
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