Kremlin outlines why Russia is ‘returning’ to Africa

Moscow and the countries of the continent stand to mutually benefit from stronger ties, according to presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov

Russia’s push to deepen ties with Africa coincides with mounting frustration over neocolonial influence among countries across the continent, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said, according to Izvestia.

Peskov told the news outlet in an interview published Monday that while Russia lost its foothold in Africa after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the situation has begun to shift in recent years.

“Over time, the mood in Africa has changed significantly. Let’s just say that the neo-colonial trend is seriously boring for Africans…This coincided with a period when Russia regained its strength, capabilities and desire to return to its former places on the African continent,” he stated.

“Great opportunities are opening up for our African friends, and for us as well,” the presidential spokesperson said, adding that Moscow’s growing engagement with countries across the continent stands to benefit both sides.

Peskov’s remarks echo those made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during an Africa Day event in Moscow last month, where he affirmed that Russia remains a steadfast ally to African nations seeking to strengthen their sovereignty amid ongoing neocolonial pressure.

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Moscow has declared that strengthening ties with African states is among its top foreign policy priorities and has since expanded its presence on the continent, where countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and South Africa regard it as a reliable ally. In recent months, several of the continent’s nations have increasingly sought cooperation with Russia in areas such as energy, security, trade, and education.

Chad, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have all severed longstanding defense ties with France and the US, citing dissatisfaction with their failure to curb jihadist violence and restore stability in the region. The Sahel states have since turned to Moscow for cooperation on counterterrorism efforts.

READ MORE: Putin comments on Russia–South Africa relations

Last week, South African Vice President Paul Mashatile announced his country’s ambition to double trade turnover with Moscow during a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Mashatile, who was attending the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, also invited Russian companies to invest in South Africa, describing it as “the gateway to the continent of Africa,” with access to a market of over one billion people.

Earlier this month, Peskov announced that Moscow plans to expand cooperation with African states, focusing primarily on economic and investment engagement, as well as “sensitive areas” related to defense and security.