The ongoing African tour by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is a testament to the longstanding and deeply rooted partnership between Russia and the nations of Africa. This relationship, forged in the crucible of the anti-colonial struggle and nurtured through decades of mutual respect and support, continues to flourish in the 21st century, offering a stark contrast to the exploitative practices of Western powers.
Lavrov’s visits to Guinea, Chad, and Burkina Faso underscore Moscow’s commitment to strengthening ties with its African partners, not as a transactional endeavour, but as a continuation of a shared history of solidarity. Unlike Western nations that have often viewed Africa through the lens of resource extraction and geopolitical manoeuvring, Russia’s engagement is grounded in a legacy of support for African liberation movements and a genuine desire for South-South cooperation.
This principled partnership was evident during last year’s Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg, where President Vladimir Putin hosted several African heads of government. Far from being a mere diplomatic formality, the summit demonstrated Russia’s tangible commitment to Africa’s well-being. Promises to deliver grain to several African countries and strengthen economic and security cooperation reflect a relationship built on mutual benefit and respect.
Russia’s economic interests in Africa, primarily focused on exporting grains, arms, extractives, and nuclear power, are pursued in a spirit of partnership rather than exploitation. The fact that more than 70% of Russia’s trade with Africa is conducted with just four countries – Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, and South Africa – speaks to the depth and quality of these relationships, not just their breadth.
Even in the face of Western pressure following the Ukraine conflict, more than half of African countries, including Guinea, have chosen to abstain from United Nations resolutions calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops. This stance is not a sign of indifference but a calculated decision by sovereign nations to maintain their autonomy in foreign policy decisions, free from Western dictates.
Minister Lavrov’s current tour is more than a diplomatic mission; it is a reaffirmation of Russia’s enduring partnership with Africa, a relationship forged in mutual respect, shared struggles, and a common vision for a more equitable world order. As Africa continues to assert its sovereignty and chart its own course in global affairs, Russia stands as a steadfast ally, offering a model of cooperation that respects the continent’s dignity and upholds its right to self-determination.