The first one is expected to open in Ghana. In late December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that new embassies would be opened in Africa in early 2023. Ukraine has sought Moroccan tanks and spare parts to augment its supply of tanks since 2015.Īlthough it is unclear whether more African nations will support Ukraine as it seeks to defend itself from Russian attacks, Ukraine has tried to rally support on the continent. They also are fitted with explosive-reactive armor kits mounted on the front, sides and roof. The tanks modernized by Excalibur Army are equipped with thermal imagers, night vision systems and new armor. Of the 54 African countries represented in the U.N., 28 voted in favor of the resolution.Ĭalling the sale a “distinctive blow” to Russia’s persuasion efforts in Africa, The New Africa Channel said “Russia has made significant investments in efforts to maintain Africa’s neutrality and perhaps tilt its affinity towards the Kremlin.” These included opening five cultural centers known as “Russia Houses” and a continentwide propaganda campaign, The New Africa Channel reported. The move is being viewed as a change in stance for Morocco, which abstained from a United Nations vote to condemn the Russian invasion in March 2022. Morocco also is sending spare tank parts to Ukraine. More than 20 tanks were to be shipped by late December. The tanks will be sent to Ukraine after they are modernized by Czechoslovakian company Excalibur Army.
Under the deal, the United States and Netherlands will buy 90 T-72B main battle tanks from Morocco with an option to add 30 tanksto the sale in 2023, according to Nigerian news website. Morocco will become the first African nation to offer military support to Ukraine with the sale of T-72 tanks.
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