Russia is positioning itself as a vital partner for African nations, offering support in areas like sustainable development, counter-terrorism, and food security. At a recent conference in Sochi, President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov emphasized collaboration and reducing reliance on Western systems. While Russian companies eye Africa’s natural resources, questions arise about the longevity of this partnership once the Ukraine conflict subsides, prompting scrutiny of Russia’s commitment to Africa amidst geopolitical tensions.
Russia’s Growing Role in Africa: A Commitment to Partnership
This past weekend, Russia made a notable effort at a conference in Sochi, aiming to position itself as a key ally for African nations. The Kremlin extended its ‘full support’ to these countries as part of its vision for a ‘multipolar world,’ a concept that seeks to counterbalance Western influence.
For several years now, Moscow has been re-establishing connections with African nations that have refrained from supporting Western sanctions against Russia since the onset of its military action in Ukraine in February 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed this commitment through a message delivered to high-ranking officials from nearly fifty African countries participating in the Russia-Africa ministerial conference.
Areas of Collaboration: Development, Security, and More
Putin emphasized that Russia would continue to back its African partners across various sectors, including sustainable development, counter-terrorism, epidemic management, food security, and disaster response. This sentiment was echoed by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who underscored the importance of Africa as a central player in the envisioned multipolar world during the conference’s closing remarks.
Lavrov also pointed out that both Russia and African nations are witnessing progress in their collaborative efforts, despite what he described as ‘artificial obstacles’ from the ‘collective West.’ He highlighted the mutual desire to reduce dependency on global systems controlled by Western powers, particularly in finance.
Following the recent Brics summit in Kazan, where Putin aimed to showcase the shortcomings of Western isolation tactics, the Sochi conference took center stage. The Russian government frequently criticizes Western nations for their perceived ‘neocolonialism’ in Africa, a narrative that resonates with some African leaders. Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop reaffirmed this perspective, declaring that Russia has never been a colonial power and has consistently supported African nations in their journeys away from colonialism.
In addition to security collaborations, officials at the conference called for a broader partnership that includes advancements in digital technology. Marie Thérèse Chantal Ngakono, a commissioner from the Economic Community of Central African States, highlighted the need for Russian assistance in developing digital capabilities in Central Africa.
Moreover, major Russian companies are increasingly interested in Africa’s abundant natural resources, with firms like Alrosa focusing on diamonds in Angola and Zimbabwe, and Lukoil targeting oil in several countries including Nigeria and Ghana. Young Piero Omatsaye, a Nigerian politician, emphasized Africa’s untapped mineral wealth, asserting that collaboration with Russia could lead to better resource utilization.
However, as Bakary Sambé from the Timbuktu Institute raises an important question: Will Russia maintain its commitment to Africa if the conflict in Ukraine resolves? Is this partnership a genuine strategic priority or merely a temporary alliance driven by geopolitical tensions with the West? The answers to these questions will shape the future of Russia’s engagement with the African continent.