Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked to address the African Union in light of Russia’s war against his country.

On Monday, Senegalese President Macky Sall said he and Mr Zelenksy had spoken over the phone about the economic impact of the war in Ukraine. 

“I thank Pdt @ZelenskyyUa for his call today. We discussed the impact of the War in Ukraine on the world economy and the need to favor dialogue for a negotiated outcome to the conflict. I also noted his request to make a communication to the AU,” Mr Sall said in a tweet. 

The request comes as African countries responded differently to Ukraine’s invasion. Last week, 58 countries abstained from a vote in the United Nations General Assembly that suspended Russia from the UN Human Rights Council over its invasion.

Countries like Nigeria and Senegal accounted for 24 of the abstaining countries. Nine other African countries voted in favour of the resolution, and 9 voted against. 

The war in Ukraine is now in its seventh week and has seen 4.3 million people flee the European country, according to the United Nations. Another 7.1 million are internally displaced.

Mr Zelenksy has made multiple addresses to world leaders, such as the United States Congress and the European Union, seeking support against Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

While sanctions have been imposed on Russia to stifle its economy, countries have been hesitant to engage Russia in fears of escalating the conflict.