Why African nations support for UN action on Russia, Ukraine is so mixed standardmedia.co.ke - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from standardmedia.co.ke Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
By Tim Cocks JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Western powers seeking to isolate Russia over Ukraine are disappointed at what they see as lukewarm support from African nations at the U.N. general assembly - where their 54 votes form a bloc large enough to swing resolutions. The Ukraine war comes at a time of heightened rivalry between the West, China and Russia over Africa s natural resources, trade and security ties. Below are some reasons for the continent s divided stance: HEARTS AND MINDS On the day of the invasion, Feb. 24, the African Union unequivocally called on Russia to respect the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Ukraine , while Kenya s U.N. ambassador, Martin Kimani, spoke for many when he compared Russian aggression to that of Africa s former colonial masters. However, African votes on U.N. resolutions have been mixed, for example on the suspension of Russia from the Human Rights Council: nine African nations voted against, 23 abstained, 11 didn t vote and only 11