Senegalese President Macky Sall says he will travel to Russia and Ukraine soon in his capacity as the current chairman of the African Union.
Sall said on Sunday that he had received permission from other African Union heads of state to make the trips.
In a joint press conference with visiting German Chancellor Olaf Sholz, he expressed Africa’s desire for peace through dialogue between Ukraine and Russia.
Sall said: “We do not want to be aligned on this conflict, very clearly, we want peace. Even though we condemn the invasion, we’re working for a de-escalation, we’re working for a ceasefire, for dialogue that is the African position.”
The Senegalese president stated that Russia had extended an invitation for a visit, while the Ukrainian president stated the importance of communicating with African heads of state.
The Russia-Ukraine crisis has cut off supplies of grain and cooking oil, exacerbating food insecurity in poorer African countries.
As a result, global fuel prices have risen, adding to the cost burden for many countries.