Moscow's push into Africa: New embassies, old ambitions
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the inauguration of a new department dedicated to African partnerships. The objective is to enhance cooperation with African nations. As part of the strategy, Russia intends to establish embassies in Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Togo, South Sudan, Niger, and the Comoros.
The head of Russian diplomacy, Sergey Lavrov, declared during the opening of the new department that Russia is returning to Africa. He explained that previous neglect was due to the challenging financial circumstances of the Soviet Union and the pro-Western political orientation of the newly established Russia. Now, as he remarked, Moscow aims to rectify these mistakes.
- There were several reasons for the weakening of our links and interest in the African continent. One of them was the difficult financial situation of the Soviet Union and the independent states that emerged from it, including the Russian Federation. It was absolutely untenable. We had to close our embassies to conserve the funds allocated for foreign policy - he argued.
As part of its re-engagement with Africa, Russia aims to soon reopen embassies closed years ago in Liberia, the neighbouring Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Togo, Niger, the Comoros, and South Sudan.
Changes in relations with Russia
Liberia, which for years refused Russia the right to open an embassy, altered its stance following the 2023 elections. The new administration of President Joseph Boakai expressed a willingness to strengthen ties with Russia. However, the opposition Congress for Democratic Change warns of a potential threat to the country's stability.
Russia's initiatives are not confined to opening embassies. In November of the previous year, it deployed military instructors to Equatorial Guinea, and earlier signed a military cooperation agreement with Cameroon. These efforts are intended to bolster the Russian presence on the continent.
Strategic goals
Russia aspires to gain access to the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Nations such as The Gambia, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Liberia, and Togo are positioned along the coast, which is strategically crucial. The Comoros could provide access to the western part of the Indian Ocean, an area where India and China are competing.
Russia is already tapping into gold and diamond deposits in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. New partnerships could amplify its influence in a region rich in natural resources.
