By Albert Wambura
There are many parallels between Ukraine’s situation and what Africans suffer daily. However, just like the Ukrainians, we are not completely helpless.
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| European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen meets Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2019 [euractiv.com] |
It’s
hard to think about the average Ukrainian’s current struggle as an African
without relating to some level.
A more
powerful country invades without provocation for the sake of regional dominance
and a glorious past. With nothing on their side but a sub-optimal military
operation (by the standards expected of a UN veto power) and memories of old
glory, Russia has a maniacal leader in Vladimir Putin. This much we know for
sure.
However,
Ukraine’s collective fortitude has preserved its bravest even as they go up
against uneatable odds daily, with the war recently entering its third month.
One of
Ukraine’s most famous individuals, Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, was the person
after whom the word ‘masochism’ was coined.
In
Ukraine’s relentless fight against the powers of Russia, one might point out
the voluntary suffering they’re undergoing as necessary for ultimate
sovereignty.
Russia
has always found an issue with Ukraine’s efforts toward close regional
integration. This very war is a consequence of Ukraine’s trying to join the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Should
Ukraine emerge victorious, that would be a victory for those interested in
reform and checks on political authority.
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| Ukraine was a major exporter of wheat and corn before the invasion, and only time will tell how the global food supply will recover. |
Ukraine
was one of Europe’s poorest nations pre-war, and its government made several
efforts in addressing levels of corruption and poor governance within the
country.
Even
with these in-government issues, it remained one of the world’s biggest
exporters of wheat and corn, supplying a major portion of food imports in the
Horn of Africa.
Despite
having internal problems with graft, they operate an efficient food production
process nationally. Despite being a sovereign state a foreign power with more
resources is still interested in violating its independence.
The
only place where these themes have remained a constant thorn in the side is
right here, Africa. History is full of examples of travelers from the west
taking and stealing from the welcoming natives. All in the name of profit.
Ukrainian
ambassador to South Africa Liubov Abravitova has called for support for African
countries. “Africa has a special obligation to join us in telling the Russian
invaders, enough is enough – this war cannot continue,” she said.
The
sentiment is clear; a threat to justice anywhere is a threat to justice
everywhere, and it is in Africa’s best interest to stand for peace in Eastern
Europe. And
even as we go about the business of leading our lives and growing the economy,
we must remember the ideals our forefathers stood for when they fought for
independence all those years ago, and continue to represent them by calling out
Russia and preaching peace.
A win for Ukraine is a win
for Africa.
