The warring countries have both welcomed the initiative by Ramaphosa and the leaders of Egypt, Republic of Congo, Senegal, Uganda and Zambia. Various observers have both lauded and derided the African initiative. As one critic noted:The African initiative will make no difference whatsoever to the situation in Ukraine. To achieve a peaceful settlement, African mediators would need leverage over the warring parties. GCISFirst, a look at the would-be mediation team:The mission: fact-finding, not mediationCritics and supporters alike have mischaracterised the invitation as mediation.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 24, 2023 15:31 UTC