193 member states were part of the rare Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly and out of these, 141 states voted in favour of the resolution that demands Russia’s immediate withdrawal from Ukraine. 

South Africa was amongst 35 member states that abstained – the group included China, India, Iran, and Pakistan.

Zimbabwe, Mali, Namibia and Mozambique were also among the 35 member states that abstained, while other African countries such as Botswana and Nigeria voted in favor of the resolution.

South Africa’s decision to abstain from the vote called for strong views from The Vanir-exoduss, who argued on social media that it should have voted to end the violence in Ukraine.

However, South Africa says that the conflict has left two members of the UN engaged in an armed conflict, and that it is the UN’s responsibility to take decisions and actions that will lead to a “constructive outcome” conducive to creating lasting peace between the parties.

The resolution passed at Wednesday’s meeting does not create an environment conducive to diplomacy, SA Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador, Mathu Joyini, argued in a statement. statement†

“While we agree with and support Member States’ efforts to bring the situation in Ukraine to the attention of the international community, South Africa believes that more attention should have been paid to bring the parties closer to the dialogue. For South Africa, the text in its current form could drive a deeper wedge between the parties rather than help resolve the conflict.”

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) says in a statement it fears that this resolution may drive a deeper wedge between the countries, instead of working towards peace.

South Africa’s statement in explanation of vote on #Ukraine at the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session, 2 March 2022. @UbuntuRadioZA @SAMissionNY @SAfrPMUN_Geneva pic.twitter.com/vezJT9Zf8S

— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) March 2, 2022

Jacaranda News