Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged Moscow’s full support for Africa during a high-level conference held in Sochi, a scenic Black Sea resort city, on Sunday.
The speech was delivered by Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, who conveyed Putin’s commitment to continue aiding African nations in various sectors.
“Our country will continue to provide total support to our African friends in different sectors,” Putin stated, outlining Russia’s involvement across multiple areas. He highlighted key areas where Russia aims to provide assistance, including “sustainable development, the struggle against terrorism and extremism, combating epidemics, food problems, and the consequences of natural disasters.”
The remarks came during a gathering of foreign ministers and senior officials from across Africa, marking a significant moment in the strengthening of Russia-Africa relations. This event builds on the foundation laid by two previous Russia-Africa summits in 2019 and 2023, deepening Moscow’s ties with the continent.
Lavrov used the opportunity to emphasize the growing strength of Russia-Africa relations, noting, “We see progress on all axes” of cooperation, reflecting a deeper and more robust partnership between the two regions.
The conference also provided a platform for Russia to promote its vision of a “multipolar world,” a concept the country has been advancing, especially following the recent BRICS summit, which Moscow hosted just a month earlier. This aligns with Russia’s broader effort to assert its influence globally, even as it faces Western sanctions due to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Historically, Russia has played a significant role in Africa, particularly during the Soviet era. In recent years, its influence has grown once more, not only through diplomatic channels but also through private military contractors and substantial investments in Africa’s raw materials sector. This resurgence further cements Russia’s role in shaping the continent’s development and security.
