Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on African countries to strengthen their ties with Moscow, presenting Russia as a reliable partner while accusing Western powers of continuing to exploit Africa’s natural resources and using debt to limit the continent’s development.
Putin made the remarks on Wednesday at the third Russia Africa Summit in Moscow, a two day gathering attended by African leaders and government delegations from 48 countries. He is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several of the 22 African leaders attending the summit, with discussions covering trade, security, arms supplies and grain.
The summit, which was first held in 2019, forms part of Russia’s wider effort to expand its political, economic and military influence across Africa. Russian military personnel operating under the Africa Corps remain active in parts of the continent, while Russian state media and cultural institutions are seeking to increase their presence and influence.
Russian state owned companies are also looking to expand their business interests in key sectors, including mining and electricity generation. These efforts reflect Moscow’s growing interest in strengthening its economic relationships with African countries and securing access to strategic resources.
Putin’s outreach to African leaders is also part of Russia’s broader attempt to build stronger relationships with countries across the Global South as it faces continued pressure from Western governments over its war in Ukraine. By presenting Moscow as an alternative partner, the Russian leader is seeking to strengthen support for a more multipolar international order.
Speaking at the summit, Putin said Africa was becoming an increasingly important force in global economic and political affairs. He argued that the continent was taking a more active role in shaping international developments, although he acknowledged that the transition towards a multipolar world faced significant resistance.
According to Putin, some countries were unwilling to accept changes in the global balance of power because they remained attached to their colonial history and the economic advantages they had gained from it.
Although he did not identify the countries he was referring to, his comments reflected Moscow’s long standing criticism of Western influence in Africa.
Western critics, however, have accused Putin of using Africa’s colonial history and its lingering economic challenges to advance Russia’s own strategic interests. Moscow continues to present its engagement with African nations as a partnership based on mutual interests, sovereignty and opposition to what it describes as Western dominance.
