Why Did 25 African Countries Sidestep the UN’s Vote on Ukraine?

Infographic by Development Reimagined.

The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to censure Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. The majority of African countries were part of the 141 states demanding an end to Russian aggression. Only one African country (Eritrea) joined Russia, Belarus, Syria and North Korea in voting against the resolution.

However, 25 African countries either formally abstained from the vote, or ‘weren’t in the room’ – an effective abstention. The latter included Ethiopia, Morocco, and Togo. Formal abstentions included South Africa, Algeria, Equatorial Guinea and Senegal. The most prominent abstainer was, of course, China. (Here is a list of all the votes.)

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by Cobus van Staden

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