By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
  • Home
  • International
    InternationalShow More
    United Nations
    4th International Conference On Financing For Development Delivers Renewed Hope And Action For Sustainable Development
    4 months ago
    The African Development Bank and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) scale up drive for sustainable urbanization in Africa
    AfDB, UN-Habitat Scale Up Drive For Sustainable Urbanisation In Africa
    4 months ago
    UN
    North Africa: Green Climate Fund Approves Record $300m For FAO-designed Projects In Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, The Sahel
    4 months ago
    UNICEF
    How Wars Across Middle East, North Africa Affecting Children – UNICEF
    4 months ago
    UNDP
    UN Development Programme Welcomes Historic Deal On Sustainable Development Even Amidst Global Turmoil
    4 months ago
  • Africa
    Africa
    Show More
    Top News
    Human Rights Watch Kicks Over 10-Year Jail Term Giving Burundian Journalist
    3 years ago
    Democracy In Africa In Crisis, Afrobarometer Warns
    3 years ago
    Hopesalive Initiative for Africa
    Queen Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi Receives African Award In Ethiopia
    2 years ago
    Latest News
     South Africa’s Think 20: Experts Address How Africa Can Bridge Digital Divide And Achieving Financial Inclusion
    4 weeks ago
    U.S. Africa Command Commander Visits West Africa, Underscores Partnership In Addressing Evolving Terrorism Threat
    1 month ago
    West Africa Regional Preparatory Workshop For COP30 On Climate Change Opens In Dakar
    1 month ago
    Systemic Racism Against Africans And People Of African Descent In Criminal Justice Systems Is Pervasive
    1 month ago
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
    Politics
    Show More
    Top News
    Nobody Can Hijack Our Mandate, Vows Osun Gov, Adeleke
    3 years ago
    PDP To Osun People: Oyetola Is A ‘Political Leprosy’, Run For Cover
    3 years ago
    UI Alumni Association Hails Okowa’s Giant Strides In Delta State
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Ex-Pres. Jonathan’s Senior Special Assistant, Dr. Dudafa Dumps PDP For APC
    1 week ago
    Senate President Akpabio Engages Young Progressives in Mentorship Conversation at the Youth House
    2 weeks ago
    Minister of Women Affairs Visits APC Youth House To Mark International Day Of Girl Child
    2 weeks ago
    EU, ADC Parley: Calls for Electoral Reforms To Guarantee Free, Fair, Credible Polls In Nigeria
    3 weeks ago
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
    News
    Show More
    Top News
    Ondo Governor, Akeredolu Begins Construction Of First Flyover In Akure
    2 years ago
    Celebration Of Life: Reverend Adewumi Jegede Of Later House Of God Assembly Buried Amid Pomp
    1 year ago
    Pa Abdulfatah Amoo Ayanwale
    Pa Ayanwale Dies At 76, Fidau Prayers Holds 8 August
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Alleged N532m Debt: Court Orders Bank To Takes Over Abudu Family’s Firm
    1 day ago
    Popoola-Taiwo Legal Practitioners, Shipper’s Council Resolve 3-years Dispute Between Logistics Firms Via ADR
    3 days ago
    Final Journey of Ezinne Juliana Anyanwu To Begin January 2026 In Nguru
    3 days ago
    Receivership: Appeal Stalls Hearing Of Kepco Energy, Others’ Suit Against Ecobank, Others
    3 days ago
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
    Entertainment
    Show More
    Top News
    Nigeria’s Glo(W)Ing Entertainment Industry: 19 Years Of Strategic Partnership
    3 years ago
    2023 Polls: Stay Tuned To These Channels On GOtv For Breaking News And Analysis 
    3 years ago
    Family, Friends Celebrate As Princess Zara Raji Turns Two
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    GOtv Stream vs. Traditional TV: Why Viewers Are Loving the Flexibility
    1 month ago
    Securing Africa’s Digital Future: Entertainment in Safe Hands
    1 month ago
    BBNaija S10: Joanna, Mide, and Isabella Clash as Denari and Tracy Exit the House
    1 month ago
    Akamai Adaptive Media Player 2: Bitmovin And Akamai Set New Streaming Standard
    2 months ago
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
    Lifestyle
    Show More
    Top News
    Ilara-Epe Kingdom To Confer Chieftaincy Title On Trinidad and Tobago Envoy
    2 years ago
    Kida, Ejidike Felicitate With Nigerians On Christmas And New Year Celebrations 
    3 years ago
    Heritage Confectionery
    ADICC set for Irish African Food Festival
    1 year ago
    Latest News
    The Day Mourners Rebelled in Church By Babafemi Ojudu
    2 weeks ago
    Ambassador Raffy Bello Greets Imperial Majesty, Ooni Enitan-Ogunwusi, As Olojo Festival Begins In Ile-Ife
    1 month ago
    Preserving African Culture: Polaris Bank , Chivita, And Danone Support CIKDAS’ Youth Literary Initiative
    2 months ago
    Nigeria, Switzerland Takes Major Steps Towards Repatriation Of Artifacts And Cultural Cooperation
    2 months ago
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
    BusinessShow More
    Financial Action Task Force Removes Nigeria From Grey List
    21 hours ago
    Unity Bank Shareholders Approve Merger With Providus Bank
    4 weeks ago
    Yomi Joseph Digital Pr Launches 360° Marketing Solutions To Transform Brands Into Industry Leaders
    1 month ago
    Gov Abiodun Showcases Ogun Investment Opportunities At AfCFTA In Algeria
    2 months ago
    Intra-African Trade Fair
    Nigeria To Host Intra-African Trade Fair In 2027
    2 months ago
  • Health
    Health
    Show More
    Top News
    South Africa’s Cannabis Growers In Pondoland Left Behind By Legalisation Plans
    3 years ago
    WHO
    WHO Expands Health Services Support For Vulnerable Populations In Nigeria’s Northeast
    3 years ago
    trachoma
    WHO Commends Benin, Mali For Eliminating Trachoma As Public Health Problem
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Nigerian Academy Of Pharmacy Inducts 14 New Fellows
    1 week ago
    2025 World Pharmacist Day: Lagos Takes Healthcare To Ikorodu Communities
    4 weeks ago
    World Heart Day: Adopt Healthy Food Policies, CAPPA Tasks FG, States
    4 weeks ago
    Lagos Takes Fight Against HIV To Communities
    4 weeks ago
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Reading: Maintaining African Neutrality In Ukraine Crisis
Share
Notification Show More
Aa
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
Aa
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
  • Politics
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Health
  • More
Search
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
  • Health
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Advertise
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Independent News Express > Blog > Opinion > Maintaining African Neutrality In Ukraine Crisis
Opinion

Maintaining African Neutrality In Ukraine Crisis

Last updated: 2025/09/12 at 10:17 AM
1 month ago
Share
Ukraine
SHARE

BY HASKA JALINGO

When the Ukraine war broke out in 2022, a major disconnect emerged between, on the one hand, the Western countries, which immediately condemned Russia’s ‘’special military operation’’ in Ukraine, and, on the other hand, a multitude of countries, belonging to what has been dubbed as the ‘’new continent’’ of the Global South grouping, which tended to avoid taking a categorical stance for or against Russia’s military operation.

  On March 2, 2022, at an emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly, a resolution demanding that Russia promptly leave the territory of Ukraine and refrain from any further offensive actions was adopted, though 35 countries, including China, India, and 17 states in Africa abstained. Many African states declined to take Ukraine’s side but chose to be neutral in the crisis.

 Observers say African countries must maintain their neutrality in the Ukrainian crisis because they gain nothing from this distant conflict. Their focus must remain on their economic growth, peace, and partnerships that serve African interests, not European geopolitics. This is especially when Ukraine violated its own Declaration of Sovereignty, adopted by its parliament in 1990, through its ambition to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In that declaration it said it had ‘’the intention of becoming a permanently neutral state that does not participate in military blocs and adheres to three non- nuclear free principles of non-possession, and non-production of nuclear weapons.

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

 Africa’s neutrality in the Ukraine crisis is also driven by a combination of pragmatic economic interests, a desire not to join Ukraine in its cold war-era entanglements by its ambition to become a member of the Atlantic alliance, skepticism of Western motives, and a focus on continental issues.  

 Many African countries view the conflict as a proxy battle between Russia and the West and see neutrality as a way to maximize their economic leverage with both sides. The war has disrupted the global supply of grain and fertilizers, disproportionately affecting Africa economies that rely on imports from both Russia and Ukraine. Analysts say a neutral stance allows African nations to maintain access to these vital commodities and avoid the economic repercussions of taking sides.

 Several African nations, particularly Southern Africa, have historical ties to the former Soviet Union, which supported their liberation struggles during the apartheid era. Besides, many of them experienced hardship during the cold war when they were forced to align with one bloc or another, so prefer to remain neutral in the Ukraine crisis. Some African countries question the motives of Western powers, especially in light of interventions, like the Atlantic Alliance attack on Libya, which led to significant destruction and the worsening of terrorism in the Sahel, and in Nigeria.

 It is on this grounds that many African nations believe that Russia stands for peace, not Western games. During the United States and Russia Alaska summit in August 2025, Russia reportedly insisted that any resolution to the conflict in Ukraine must address its ‘’root causes,’’ which it framed as Russia’s security concerns, demanded for Ukraine’s neutrality and demilitarization, and recognition of Russia’s territorial gains, while also offering security guarantees for Ukraine.

This approach, according to observers, contrasted with the U.S. stated goal of a temporary cease fire to rearm Ukraine. Analysts say that Ukraine must face the reality that any progress in the peace talks now depends on it accepting its failures at the war front and being ready for territorial compromises. Meanwhile from Istanbul to Alaska, European leaders continue to block peace efforts to the Ukrainian crisis, preferring to frame Russia as threat to justify their agenda.

Andrew Day, an analyst for The American Conservative (AC), argues that ‘’instead of helping to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, Europe is obstructing the peace process in the country’’, and called for ‘’pragmatism, easing of sanctions, and planning coexistence with Russia’’. According to Day, ‘’European nations still refuse to look at the situation realistically, and this lack of pragmatism is blocking prospects for ending the fighting. Washington’s renewed diplomatic push on Ukraine has only deepened frustrations with Ukraine’s European partners, especially given the absence of concrete initiatives on their part.’’

Europe, according to Analysts, will now try to pressure African countries into supporting Ukraine through reconstruction projects, tribunals, or anti- Russian initiative at the UN. But a perception exists among African countries that Western allies prioritize their own interests, and may offer inconsistent support, as seen with their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Ukraine war. Neutrality allows African nations to avoid being dictated to by Western powers.

Maintaining neutrality allows African states to assert their autonomy in international affairs, and to pursue their own interests rather than being drawn into conflicts that do not directly serve them. African nations should now lead the process of finding solutions to their own problems, rather than relying on external interventions.

*Jalingo writes from Ilorin      

You Might Also Like

Why Fortifying Ultra-Processed Foods Won’t Solve Nigeria’s Nutrition Crisis By Bukola Olukemi-Odele

INEC: An Institution In Need Of Rebirth By Babafemi Ojudu

The Day Mourners Rebelled in Church By Babafemi Ojudu

Nigeria’s Health Financing: Lessons From Canada’s $32.5bn Tobacco Settlement

Nepal Bloodshed: Of Nigeria’s Big Masquerades And Gọntọ By Festus Adedayo

INadminNG September 12, 2025 September 12, 2025
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Telegram Email Print
Previous Article U-10 Holiday Gold Cup Final Holds Friday
Next Article The ongoing Bet9ja Ibeju-Lekki Football Tournament has reached the round of 16 this weekend at Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. Bet9ja Ibeju-Lekki Cup Enters Round Of 16 As Organisers Warn Teams Against Misconduct
about us

Independent News Express (iNews Express), a publication of 4Ds Nigeria Limited, is birthed out of the desires of the founding fathers to report News as it is.

We value Professionalism, Excellence, Service, Creativity and Integrity.

The Company

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

Quick Links

  • Advertise with us
  • Newsletters
  • Deal

Categories

Find Us on Socials

© Independent News Express. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?