On June 16-17, 2023, African delegation of 7 presidents visits Kyiv and Moscow with African peace plan.
Participants: Presidents of South Africa (Ramaphosa), Senegal (Sall), Zambia (Hichilema), Comoros (Assoumani), Uganda, Egypt, Republic of Congo. Absent: Kenya president.
10-point plan:
1. Sovereignty and territorial integrity according to UN Charter
2. Immediate de-escalation
3. Guaranteed security for all
4. Free humanitarian aid
5. Prisoner exchange
6. Repatriation of deported children
7. Alleviate global food crisis
8. Sanctions: dialogue
9. African peace process
10. Post-conflict reconstruction
In Kyiv (June 16): Zelensky listens but criticizes plan. During meeting, air raid alarm - Russian missiles hit Ukrainian cities. Delegation goes to shelters. Zelensky: "Russia shows what it thinks of African peace by bombing while you're here".
In Moscow (June 17): Putin rejects plan. Demands recognition of occupied territories as "reality". Condescending attitude toward African leaders.
Why it failed:
- Plan too vague on territorial issue
- No real pressure on Russia
- Coordination with Russian attack on Kyiv undermines credibility (coincidence or message?)
- Africa divided: some pro-Russian countries, others neutral
Impact: Zero. Initiative demonstrates that without pressure on Russia, peace impossible.