Although the last-minute withdrawal of several members of the delegation dimmed the chances of an attack, an African mission is expected in Kiev on Friday and then in St. Petersburg the next day for peace mediation aimed at resolving the conflict between the two countries. Four African heads of state, a prime minister and a special envoy are set to begin talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and later with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

However, this mediation intervenes amid a Ukrainian counteroffensive, as fighting on the ground intensifies. “In times of increasing conflict, the search for a peaceful solution must simultaneously accelerate”South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement on Thursday.

“Conditions for peaceful and constructive discussions are no longer met” However, the violence has intensified, a Congolese diplomatic source told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Wednesday. On Thursday evening, Congolese national television announced that President Denis Sasso-Nousso would not be on the trip after his participation was uncertain. He will be represented by his Chief of Staff, General Florent Nsipa.

Two other heads of state also withdrew. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who tested positive for Covid-19, has chosen the former prime minister as his special envoy. He will replace Egyptian Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as his prime minister. These deviations “Likely to weaken the mission of the African initiative”Assesses Congo origin.

In this context, the participation of Senegalese presidents Macky Sall and Zambia’s Hakainte Hichilema and Comorian president Azali Assomani, who has been the head of the African Union since February, Mr. Only Ramaphosa remains. Confirmed. They will have to travel by train from Poland to reach Kew on Friday.