Africa’s Relationship with Russia Comes into Focus after Ukrainian Invasion
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has put Africa in a difficult position, particularly because some African countries rely on Russia for survival. Come check out our article to learn more.
After Russia invaded Ukraine, the world started to take sides. As western nations put pressure on Russia, it has found solace in some of its allies. Russia has both detractors and sympathizers in Africa for a myriad of reasons.
Africa and the UN Vote against Russia
Earlier in March, the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of a resolution condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. 141 out of 193 member states supported the resolution. Most African states (28) voted against Russia, but 17 chose to abstain, while one (Eritrea) voted in Russia's favor. The remaining states were absent, namely Cameroon, Ethiopia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, Togo, Eswatini, and Morocco.
During the cold war, African countries were members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). NAM was a group of 120 countries that agreed not to take sides in the cold war. In this debate, some African countries are following the same principle and leaving the superpowers to resolve these issues among themselves.
Russia’s Activities in Africa
Russia has recently been propping up isolated and authoritarian leaders such as Libya, the Central African Republic, Mali, and Sudan. Russia does this through shadowy mercenary groups (such as the Wagner Group), polarizing disinformation campaigns, election interference, and arms-for-resource deals.
Russia is a major military hardware supplier to Africa and had a pivotal role in its liberation struggles. According to the research institute SIPRI, Russia was the provider of 30% of arms sold to Africa between 2016 and 2020. The other significant suppliers of arms to Africa were China (20%), France (9.5%), and the US (5.4%).
In June, Zimbabwe and Russia committed to deepening bilateral ties during a Zimbabwe-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (ICG) session on economic, trade, scientific, and technical cooperation in Harare. Zimbabwe wants to engage Russian companies in geo-mapping, prospecting, exploration, and developing its minerals.
Meanwhile, back in April, after the invasion and sanctions, Cameroon signed a strategic military deal with Russia. Cameroon needs the assistance of Russia to provide training as it fights piracy and terrorism.
The Central African Republic (CAR) has grown closer to Russia since 2017, when the country received its first shipment of weapons, including Kalashnikovs and surface-to-air missiles. In 2018, Russian military advisers were in the country to train local armed forces.
Europe is looking to Africa for LNG solutions as it seeks alternative gas supplies, particularly in Algeria, Egypt, and Nigeria. However, at its current capacity, Africa cannot replace half of Russia's supply to Europe. Only after overcoming investment, security, and logistical issues is there a potential to expand.
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