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At a summit in Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered “total support” to Africa, particularly in fighting terrorism and extremism. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov conveyed Putin’s message to African leaders, who increasingly view Moscow as a key partner as they seek alternatives to traditional Western alliances. Several African governments, including Burkina Faso and Mali, have turned to Russia, criticizing the “neo-colonial” influence of former colonial powers like France. Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, and Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, praised Russia as a “sincere” partner in contrast to Western nations, especially in defense and economic sectors.
Russia’s involvement often includes military support, provided through the Wagner Group—now rebranded as the “Africa Corps” by Russia’s defense ministry—in exchange for access to resources. However, while Wagner forces have bolstered ruling juntas in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, they have seen limited success against Islamist insurgents. Nevertheless, Russia emphasizes its hands-off approach, offering help without interference in governance or elections—a stance welcomed by some African leaders.
Lavrov noted the growing strength of Russia-Africa relations, stating that progress was being made “on all axes.” Putin’s message reiterated Russia’s commitment to supporting African nations in areas such as sustainable development, terrorism prevention, epidemic control, and food security.
Western powers are responding to this shift in allegiances. Emanuela Del Re, the EU’s special representative for the Sahel, urged Western nations to accept Africa’s diversification of partnerships, emphasizing that this shouldn’t be viewed as a competition. Del Re pointed to a crowded field of foreign interests in the Sahel region, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran, alongside EU member states and the UK.
African nations, including Rwanda, are also pursuing partnerships with Russia beyond security, such as nuclear energy. Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe announced that Rwanda had signed an agreement with Moscow to build a nuclear power plant, with many Rwandan students now trained in nuclear science through Russian universities.
While trade between Russia and Africa has not doubled as Putin pledged five years ago, Russia’s influence on the continent has expanded through other means, often viewed by the West as destabilizing. Nonetheless, Russia’s engagement with Africa appears to be reshaping alliances and opening new avenues for cooperation across the continent.
