Angola Express Concerns Over Use OF Military Equipment In Ukraine

Angola has expressed concern over the use of heavy military equipment in the war in Ukraine.

This comes as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visits the oil-rich southern African country.

The Angola foreign affairs ministry said the use of “increasingly sophisticated equipment might lead to a greater involvement of the different parties to the conflict, and eventually lead to a third world war”.

The minister also highlighted Angola’s historic “friendship ties” with Russia and its “good co-operation ties” with Ukraine.

Report says Angola initially abstained from condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but in October last year, it voted in favour of a UN resolution condemning the annexation of Ukrainian territory by Russia.

However, earlier this month Angolan President, João Lourenço appealed to Moscow to declare “a definitive and unconditional ceasefire” in Ukraine.

Speaking after meeting President Lourenço Mr. Lavrov said that Russia and Angola will deepen co-operation despite “the illegal pressure” from the US and its allies.

Unconfirmed reports said that Mr. Lavrov might visit Eritrea as the last stop of his African tour that started in South Africa and also took him to Eswatini.

BBC/Modinat Osanyinpeju