Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Africa.
Russia Pledges Unwavering Support for Africa in Security, Development, and Resource Sectors
Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged Russia’s “total support” to African nations, specifically in their battles against terrorism and extremism, as well as for sustainable development. The message, delivered by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a summit in Sochi, underscores Moscow’s strengthening ties with African nations that have increasingly turned away from traditional Western alliances.
At the summit, Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré expressed that Russia is now a more reliable ally than former colonial power France, a sentiment echoed by several leaders of former French colonies. Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop highlighted Russia's “sincere” and non interfering partnership, in contrast to what he described as the West's "neo-colonial" influence.
Diop also emphasized Mali’s broadened cooperation with Russia, which now includes ventures beyond security, in sectors such as energy, telecommunications, technology, and mining. "Russian companies are actively working with both the Malian government and private partners to provide solutions to the challenges facing the Malian people,” he said, adding that both nations are determined to speed up these projects for swift results.
Russia Expands Military and Economic Influence
Russian private military companies, particularly the Wagner Group (recently rebranded as Africa Corps), have been deployed in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. While their presence supports the regimes in these countries, their progress in defeating Islamist insurgencies has been limited. In exchange for military assistance, Russia has gained access to Africa’s rich natural resources, and its “non-interference” policy has attracted leaders wary of Western political conditions tied to aid and security.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova framed the summit as a diplomatic win for Russia, stating that it defies Western expectations of isolating Moscow. Lavrov added that Russia’s relations with African nations are growing “in all dimensions.”
Expanding Spheres of Cooperation: From Nuclear Energy to Education
Putin’s message also highlighted cooperation in areas beyond security. He reiterated that Russia would support African nations in their fight against epidemics, addressing food security, and managing natural disaster impacts. In line with this, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe shared that Rwanda had signed a deal with Moscow for support in nuclear energy, marking a step toward energy independence.
As part of this commitment, hundreds of Rwandan students have graduated from Russian universities, including those specializing in nuclear sciences. “We hope to train many scientific managers who specialize in nuclear fields,” Nduhungirehe explained, emphasizing Rwanda’s long term vision for national self-reliance.
Russia’s Growing Influence Despite Trade Shortfalls
Although Putin previously promised to double trade with Africa, this target remains unmet. However, Russia’s strategic presence and influence on the continent have grown notably in recent years, partly through methods Western powers view as destabilizing. By offering resource based exchanges and avoiding political interference, Russia has managed to deepen its ties across Africa, posing a challenge to the West’s influence on the continent.
With strengthened alliances and extended support pledges, Russia appears set to play a significant role in Africa’s security, energy, and development sectors as it positions itself as a key partner across the continent.
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