The Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is protesting after a call by the Ukrainian Embassy for ” volunteers “wanting to help” fight against Russian aggression – according to the words of the ad, which has since been deleted.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac
Last name, first name, e-mail address, military experience… All the information requested in the form posted on the Facebook page of the Ukrainian Embassy in Dakar for “ The foreigners “seeking to” to help ” the country. A message addressed to nationals of Senegal, but also of Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and other countries in the region. Asked about this question on Thursday, Ambassador Yurii Pyvovarov did not respond to our request for clarification. The post was eventually deleted the same day.
The diplomat was summoned, according to the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and confirmed “ registration of 36 volunteer candidates “. ” In view of the seriousness of such facts “, according to its press release, the ministry condemns ” firmly » this practice, and specifies « that the recruitment of volunteers, mercenaries, and foreign fighters on Senegalese territory is illegal and punishable by law “.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called at the end of last week for the creation of a ” International Legion “, a force made up of foreign volunteers ” to join the resistance “. Senegal – which currently holds the chairmanship of the African Union – abstained during the vote at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday on a resolution to demand the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine.