As the conflict between Ukrainians and Russians begins its second week this Friday, a strange call to join the Ukrainian army was published Thursday, March 3, by the Ukrainian embassy in Algiers on its Facebook account.
“Appeal to foreign nationals seeking to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression…” the appeal reads in its preamble. In this call declined in the three languages (French, English, and Ukrainian), one can read: “Anyone who wants to join the defense of security in Europe and in the world can come and stand alongside the Ukrainians against the invaders of the 21st century”.
And to add: “According to the regulations on military service in the armed forces by foreigners and stateless persons (…) foreigners have the right to enlist in the armed forces on a voluntary basis, including in the forces of territorial defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine”.
To all foreigners “ who wish to join the resistance to the Russian occupiers and protect world security”, Ukrainian leaders offer “ to come to our country and join the ranks of the Territorial Defense Forces. A separate unit of foreigners is formed – the International Territorial Defense Legion of Ukraine,” the appeal read.
“This will be the main proof of your support for our country”, we add, the call concluding with an invitation to ” interested persons ” to fill out a form.
The message was taken down after the Algerian Foreign Ministry ordered the Ukrainian Embassy to delete it. The attitude of the Ukrainian embassy constitutes a ” serious fact ” and ” violates the provisions of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations between States “, according to our source.
“A flagrant violation of the Vienna Convention”
This message was also relayed by the Ukrainian embassy in Senegal. The Ukrainian ambassador in Dakar, seized for this purpose, confirmed the existence of the call while confirming the registration of 36 volunteer candidates.
Following this, the Senegalese ministry protested and strongly condemned this practice ” which constitutes a flagrant violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, in particular with regard to the obligation to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State ” . , reads the press release from Senegalese Foreign Affairs, published on Thursday.
Like their Algerian counterparts, the Senegalese authorities invited the Ukrainian embassy ” to immediately withdraw ” the call to cease ” without delay any procedure for enlisting people of Senegalese or foreign nationality “, added the Senegalese diplomacy. The Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled that the recruitment of volunteers, mercenaries or foreign fighters on the territory of the country is ” illegal and liable to the penalties provided for by law “.
Since February 24, an armed conflict has opposed Russians and Ukrainians. The UN voted, on March 2, a resolution condemning the invasion of Russian armies of Ukrainian territories and in which Algeria abstained.
