Ukraine's ambassador to SA: Addressing African Union was important

After weeks of lobbying, the Ukrainian president has addressed the African Union about the war. In his address, President Zelensky, accused Russia of creating an "artificial" food crisis that is hitting Africa hard and said Russia was holding African nations "hostage". The chairperson of the AU commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat responded by saying that the African Union reiterated the "urgent need for dialogue to end the conflict".

It is reported that only a handful of African leaders were present to hear the Ukrainian president speak, but Ukraine's ambassador to South Africa, Liubov Abravitova, told Focus on Africa's Paul Bakibinga that despite the seemingly lukewarm reception, it was important to reach a wider audience.

Photo: Ukraine's ambassador to South Africa, Liubov Abravitova. Credit: Getty Images.