Africa’s Vote on the Russia-ukraine Conflict: Why the Fragmentation?

Abstract

Africa's voting pattern on the US-led resolution to remove Russia from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 7th April 2022, following the Russia-Ukraine conflict reflects divisions in the continent. While the African Union charter aspires to have collective action on the global front, 11 states did not vote, 24 abstained, 10 voted to adopt the resolution, and nine voted to support Russia. Interestingly, Kenya, which was vocal and globally recognised for its 2nd March 2022 vote against the Russian invasion, abstained.