South Africa has recently made headlines for its decision to abstain from a United Nations resolution calling for an end to the war in Ukraine. This resolution, introduced by the US, was amended to denounce the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a violation of international law. While South Africa voted for the amended resolution, it abstained from the resolution tabled by Kyiv.
The amended resolution, known as Resolution L.11, was approved by the UN General Assembly by 93 votes to 18, with 65 abstentions. The resolution called for a swift end to the conflict and a lasting peace accord between Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity of states.
The decision to abstain from the resolution introduced by Ukraine, Resolution L.10, was based on South Africa’s belief that the text did not resonate with renewed impetus towards a negotiated settlement. The country’s ambassador to the UN, Mathu Joyini, stated that the current resolution did not go far enough in terms of inclusivity and creating positive momentum towards a peaceful negotiation.
This abstention marks a continuation of South Africa’s stance from previous years, where the country refrained from taking sides in order to maintain peace initiatives and avoid alienating Russia. Despite the adoption of similar resolutions in the past, the conflict in Ukraine has persisted, prompting calls for a different approach.
The decision to abstain from the resolution comes amidst a deepening transatlantic rift over Ukraine, with European leaders engaging in talks with the US and Russia. The US administration, under President Donald Trump, reportedly tried to press Ukraine to withdraw its resolution, leading to a tussle over amendments and counter resolutions.
Overall, South Africa’s abstention from the UN resolution on Ukraine reflects the country’s commitment to promoting peace and diplomacy in the face of complex geopolitical challenges. As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, the role of countries like South Africa in navigating diplomatic solutions remains crucial in the pursuit of a lasting peace accord. French President Emmanuel Macron recently highlighted the importance of international support for Ukraine, emphasizing that any peace agreement must prioritize Ukrainian sovereignty. Macron’s statement came in response to US President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Russia may have a claim to territory seized during the conflict.
In a related development, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for a state visit, underscoring the need for Ukraine to be included in peace negotiations alongside European partners. This invitation coincided with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s attendance at the G20 meeting in Johannesburg, where British Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned Russia of the need to address the crisis in Ukraine.
Lammy emphasized the importance of a peace agreement that upholds the principles of the UN Charter and rejects any form of imperialism. This sentiment was echoed by South Africa, which has positioned itself as a neutral mediator capable of facilitating dialogue between Russia and Ukraine.
Following the adoption of resolutions supporting peace efforts, South African Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola reaffirmed the country’s commitment to a rules-based system grounded in international law. He stressed the inviolability of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting the need for all parties to be involved in negotiations.
South Africa’s stance on the conflict reflects its adherence to non-alignment and respect for international norms. The country supported an amended resolution that explicitly referenced territorial integrity and sovereignty, a key aspect of its foreign policy principles.
Despite initial differences in approach between the US and Europe, South Africa backed the amended resolution in line with its commitment to upholding the UN Charter and promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The country’s unwavering support for international law and inclusive negotiations underscores its role as a mediator in the pursuit of lasting peace in Ukraine.
