In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Russia is strengthening ties with African nations at the Sochi summit, offering “total support” and promoting itself as a counter to Western influence.
- African countries like Mali and Burkina Faso are increasingly aligning with Moscow, viewing Russia as a better alternative to former colonial powers.
Russia is making a determined bid to strengthen ties with African nations at a summit in Sochi, a Black Sea resort, with President Vladimir Putin pledging “total support” to the continent.
Facing growing isolation from Western countries due to its ongoing offensive in Ukraine, Moscow has been actively seeking new alliances in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, presenting itself as a counterbalance to what it terms Western dominance on the world stage.
In a speech delivered by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on his behalf, Putin assured African leaders of continued Russian support across various sectors.
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Although Putin did not attend the conference in person, he emphasized that Russia’s relationship with Africa has been steadily strengthening in recent years.
The Sochi summit serves as yet another platform for Russia to advocate for a “multipolar world,” following the recent BRICS summit held in Moscow.
Historically, Russia has wielded influence in Africa since Soviet times, a connection that has grown in recent years, particularly in military cooperation.
Notably, countries in West Africa like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have pivoted towards Moscow after distancing themselves from France amid recent military coups.
In these nations, Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group, or its successor, Africa Corps, provide support to local governments, while Russian “advisers” work closely with officials.
Russia’s military and economic footprint in Africa is substantial, with Rosoboronexport reporting over $5 billion worth of arms deliveries to the continent in 2023 alone.
Major Russian companies also have investments in Africa, with firms like diamond miner Alrosa operating in Angola and Zimbabwe, and Lukoil involved in energy projects across Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Congo.
The narrative of resistance to Western “neocolonialism” promoted by Russia has resonated with some African leaders.
Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop highlighted that Russia has “stood shoulder to shoulder” with Africa, contrasting Russia’s approach with the colonial histories of Western powers.
Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore expressed a preference for Russia as a partner, saying the partnership offers a better fit for Burkina Faso’s needs than its historical ties with France.
While Burkina Faso and other nations have increasingly leaned towards Russia, Traore dismissed concerns about potential overreliance on Moscow, asserting that his country is clear on its goals and how it intends to work with new partners.
However, some analysts remain skeptical about Russia’s long-term commitment to Africa.
Bakary Sambe, director of the Timbuktu Institute in Dakar, questioned whether Africa is truly a strategic priority for the Kremlin, or if its current focus is merely a response to its isolation over Ukraine.
“Would Russia maintain the same level of interest in Africa,” he asked, “if the conflict in Ukraine were resolved?”