2023-07-27 12:37:10
During the opening of the Russia-Africa summit, President Putin promised free cereals to six countries. Moscow is trying to expand its influence…
Saint Petersburg is hosting a Russia-Africa summit this weekend. Several African heads of state have joined the former capital of the Russian Empire.
This is the second edition of this summit, launched in 2019, and it takes place in a delicate context. That of the war in Ukraine and the death, decreed by Moscow, of the grain deal which allowed Ukraine to export its grain through the Black Sea, despite the Russian blockade of Ukrainian ports. And while the influence of the West on Africa is gradually weakening, that of Russia is growing.
The stakes of this summit are therefore numerous even if “the attendance is less than expected”, remarks Nicolas Gosset, researcher at the IRSD (Royal Higher Institute for Defense). “There are a few heads of state: the Egyptian president, that of the Sudanese junta, of the Central African Republic, of Senegal, of South Africa… There is the foreign ministers of Algeria, Ethiopia, southern Africa… In total, seventeen heads of state and government, while Moscow thought to refuel. When China organizes a summit with Africa, everyone goes! In short, Russia intended to make a strong demonstration, but we still see relative isolation since only a third countries are represented by their leader in St. Petersburg.”
Russia in Africa
The position of African countries vis-à-vis the Kremlin varies, on a case-by-case basis.
“The countries that have taken a very strong pro-Russian position are those where Wagner’s presence has grown, such as Mali and the Central African Republic.”
“A country like Egypt tied very important defense agreements with the United Statesbut also has arms deals with Russia. The Senegal maintains strong ties with France, but plays the card of neutrality in the war in Ukraine. The countries that have taken a very strong pro-Russian position are those where Wagner’s presence has developed, such as Mali and the Central African Republic,” reports Nicolas Gosset.
Politics, defense, economy…
“Russia’s relationship with Africa is tinged with a great pragmatism, opportunismand it is grafted onto a great post-colonial fatigueon a certain revanchism also, African authorities in relation to Western foreign policyand particularly the France“, summarizes the researcher.
This is how Moscow has very quickly, in recent years, deployed its political and security influence in the former French square meadow, with military cooperation agreements.
The economic cooperation, it extends more widely to East Africa and the Maghreb, where the Soviet presence had already been very marked. This support mainly covers the arms and energy sectors, mainly nuclear.
Free cereal
What will this summit be used for, initially planned for five days, but finally slimmed down to just two days? In announcements, in particular. From the start of the event, the Russian President promised to deliver for free “in the coming months” cereals to six African countries, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic and Eritrea.
“This summit will serve above all to count the friends of Russia. To take pictures…”
“We will gauge the potential for implementing the agreements later! We know that Putin likes announcements, but let’s not forget that most Russian companies are hit by sanctions“, recalls Nicolas Gosset.
“Macroeconomic reality can prevent the realization of this kind of agreement, as well as the interests of the partner countries. The real effects of this summit will probably be less important than announced. This summit will serve above all to count the friends of Russia. Taking pictures…”
The summary
- The Russia-Africa summit opened on Thursday in St. Petersburg.
- It must allow Moscow to put itself forward with announcements, in particular on grain export.
- In recent years, Russia has managed to extend its influence in Africa, politically, militarily and economically.
- Only 17 countries have sent their Head of State or Government to Russia.
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