Russian President Vladimir Putin has told African leaders Russia is their best partner, accusing western countries of exploiting African resources.
Putin made the comments during the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow where leaders and government delegations from 48 African countries are meeting. The Russian president is also meeting African leaders for bilateral discussions about trade, security, weapons and grain.
The summit which took place for the first time in 2019 is part of Moscow’s attempts to increase its military, political and economic influence across Africa. Russian para-military forces, state media and culture are still present as well as Russian companies looking to invest in areas like mining.
This is also helping Moscow combat pressure from the west over its war in Ukraine by developing relationships with Africa and other members of the global south.
“Africa is increasingly becoming one of the main actors in the world economy and politics,” Putin said.
However, he added that some countries are resisting the new multi-polar world. He accused western countries of trying to get African nations into a “debt slavery” situation by offering financial aid on poor terms. He did not name any countries.
The Russian president said that Moscow would offer technical know-how such as digital technology and help local production.
This could create jobs and provide income through tax, while Putin also welcomed increased African representation at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
Russia was also keen to work together on transport and farming infrastructure and increase grain and fertiliser supplies. Western governments have accused Russian para-military forces of backing military junta’s like Mali’s to increase Moscow’s influence in the region and replace ex-colonial powers like France but Russia denies these claims.
Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo said the relationship with Moscow was fair and beneficial. He added to Russian state news outlet RT that Russia was not trying to wipe out African languages and culture.
“It is totally different to how we had with imperialist France,” he said. This summit shows how Africa’s strategic role is increasing as world powers look to gain influence over the continent.
