Kyiv, Ukraine – President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, along with other African Heads of State, has arrived safely in Kyiv, Ukraine, following an unexpected delay in Poland. Despite the detainment of his security team in Warsaw over documents and permits, the Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed that there were no threats to the president’s safety.
“I would like to assure all South Africans that there has been no compromise whatsoever to the president’s safety due to the impasse that involved the charter flight with the presidential protection services team and the media,” said Magwenya. He further added that officials were working diligently to resolve the situation with their Polish counterparts so that the presidential protection services team and the media could proceed with the planned journey.
[PHOTOS]: African Heads of State and Government earlier visited the City of Bucha in Ukraine and participated in a commemoration ceremony at a civilian mass burial site where hundreds of people were killed at the start of the conflict.#AfricanPeaceMission pic.twitter.com/rq2c0G4IeV
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 16, 2023President Ramaphosa initially arrived in Warsaw on Thursday, coinciding with the arrival of the security team’s South African Airways charter. During his time in Poland, he paid a courtesy visit to Polish President Andrzej Duda before departing on his official plane for the southern region of the country.
Poland, which shares borders with Ukraine and Russia, has been deeply affected by the regional conflict, making the situation particularly complex. However, the impasse did not hinder President Ramaphosa’s commitment to his diplomatic mission.
#AfricanPeaceMission African Heads of State & Government participating in the Peace initiative are now at St Micheal’s Square in Mykhailivska, Ukraine, for a briefing by representatives of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence. pic.twitter.com/BmLCD6u5bV
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 16, 2023President Ramaphosa is now in Kyiv as a member of the African Peace Mission, engaging in deliberations with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The African Peace Mission consists of leaders from South Africa, Zambia, the Comoros, Congo Brazzaville, Egypt, Senegal, and Uganda, representing a continent that has experienced the adverse economic impact of the ongoing conflict.
In recent weeks, President Ramaphosa has been in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Zelenskyy, China’s President Xi Jinping, leaders of BRICS countries, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, with the goal of facilitating a peaceful resolution to the violent onslaught.
[WATCH NOW]: Presidential @SpokespersonRSA Vincent Magwenya provides an update on the African Peace Mission currently underway in Kiev, Ukraine, as well as the situation with the charter flight in Warsaw, Poland. #AfricanPeaceMission pic.twitter.com/ZtPACk1mLy
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 16, 2023South Africa has maintained a “non-aligned” stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has drawn criticism from American lawmakers seeking sanctions on the country due to its relationship with Russia. However, President Ramaphosa remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic approach and engaging with all relevant parties.
Following his time in Ukraine, President Ramaphosa is expected to travel to St. Petersburg, Russia, where the African delegation will meet with President Putin on Saturday, June 17. The discussions aim to foster dialogue and explore avenues for a peaceful resolution. President Ramaphosa is scheduled to return home to South Africa on Sunday, June 18.
The South African government and its citizens are hopeful that President Ramaphosa’s diplomatic efforts will contribute to de-escalating tensions and fostering peace in the region.
