The African Union (AU) has called for a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine.

The Chairperson of the AU and President of the Union of the Comoros Azali Assoumani made the call at the ongoing 2nd Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.

According to him, we must fight for achieving lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. This is the message of the African Union, and I fully endorse it personally.

“We travelled to Kiev to meet with President Zelensky and brought him the same message.

“We have the same message for President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

“There is certainty among us that our call for peace will be heard because this is what humankind needs today.

“On behalf of the African Union, I once again call for peaceful coexistence between Russia and Ukraine, two brotherly nations and neighbours,” he said.

While restating AU’s position to promote peace and security in African, Assoumani condemned an “attempted coup d’etat’’ in Niger and called for the release of President Mohamed Bazoum.

According to him, we are doing everything possible to promote peace and security on our continent.

“However, we are witnessing all kinds of events these days. You know what happened in Niger just recently.

“We firmly condemn the way the events have been unfolding in Niger and demand that the President of the Republic of Niger and his family be freed immediately.

“Today, we are fighting for a multilateral, multipolar world. We, the people of Africa, understand well that the international system as it exists today must be reformed, which includes the UN system.

“Accordingly, Africa has every right to proactively contribute to the decision-making process, in particular as a permanent member of the UN Security Council,” he said.

The summit which started on July 27 will end on July 28.(NAN)