Most African Countries Oppose Russian Annexations in Ukraine, But 19 Abstain

 The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling on the international community not to recognize any of Russia's annexation claims in the Ukraine and demanding its immediate reversal.  The vote was 143 in favor of the resolution, 5 against, and 35 abstentions.

No African country voted with Russia but the following 19 abstained:  Algeria, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Guinea, Lesotho, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.  

Comment:  While one might expect some of these countries to abstain for special reasons or little commitment to state sovereignty and territorial integrity, how does one explain the abstention of Eswatini, Ethiopia, Namibia, South Africa, and Uganda?

Russia's Annexation of Eastern Ukraine: Ghana and Kenya Step Up, but Gabon?

 Euronews published on 30 September 2022 an article titled "Censure and Sanctions: How Europe and the World Reacted to Russia Annexing Ukrainian Territory."

Ten members of the UN Security Council supported on 30 September a draft resolution condemning the annexation of eastern Ukraine by Russia, which vetoed the resolution.  Ghana and Kenya joined the nations supporting the resolution.  Four nations--China, Brazil, India, and Gabon abstained.

Comment:  China, Brazil, and India are members of the BRICS with Russia, which may help explain their vote.  But what is Gabon doing in this company?  Does it not respect the principle of state sovereignty and territorial integrity?