Putin's War and African Double Standards

 Responsible Statecraft posted on 4 March 2022 a commentary titled "Kenyan Diplomat's Criticism of Russia Highlights a Double Standard in Africa" by Alex de Waal.

While most countries agree that the multilateral world order, among other principles, is being challenged by Russia in Ukraine, the author argues that much of Africa is engaging in a double standard.  Citing recent military coups in Africa and the muted response from African leaders and the African Union, the author suggests that the leaders and the AU are turning their backs on a basic principle of international law.  

Kenyan Rebuke of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

 UNTV posted on 22 February 2022 a four-minute speech titled "Kenya's Envoy to UN Cites Colonial Past as He Condemns Russian Move into Ukraine."

Kenya's ambassador to the United Nations, Martin Kimani, drawing on Kenya's colonial past, gave an eloquent and courageous speech that was a sharp rebuke to Russia's actions in Ukraine, called on the world to respect the territorial integrity of the Ukraine, and reject the recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk.  

Salim Ahmed Salim

The Institute for Security Studies has published a short book titled "Salim Ahmed Salim: Son of Africa" edited by Jakkie Cilliers.  It is a biography of Zanzibari-born and senior Tanzanian government official who became the Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity. 

Salim Ahmed Salim is one of the outstanding leaders of Africa.  I had the honor of working with him when he served as Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity in Addis Ababa.

New Book about Haile Selassie and Ethiopian Diplomacy

Tadias Magazine did a brief review of a new book titled Black Ethiopia: A Glimpse into African Diplomacy, 1956-1991 by Belete Belachew Yihun.  Published by Tsehai Publishers, it deals with the diplomatic legacy of Haile Selassie.