Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine continues to have an immense impact on African states. A delegation from several countries now hopes to explore the prospects for an end to the conflict in St. Petersburg. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov views this as a constructive gesture, although some observers consider it an act of courtesy. Russia considers the visit of the delegation from South Africa, Egypt, the Republic of Congo, Uganda, Senegal, Zambia, and the Comoros to be essential, even if a breakthrough is unlikely.
Moscow is also heavily courting Africa in its search for new allies. Since last year, Lavrov has visited numerous African states and attempted to expand Russia’s influence there. Russia’s top diplomat advocated for a multipolar world and encouraged African countries to emancipate themselves from their former colonizers.
Increased Cooperation with South Africa
Russia recently intensified its collaboration with a few countries. For example, together with China and South Africa, it conducted joint naval exercises at the start of the year. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was responsible for the African initiative. The Kremlin welcomes this as an indication that Russia is not isolated in the world. In contrast, Africa is expected to gain credibility as a mediator on the international stage.
However, Africa is divided on its stance toward the war in Ukraine. When the UN General Assembly passed a resolution in February calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine with a vast majority, thirty African countries supported the resolution, while twenty-four did not. Most of them abstained.
Who is Welcome in Russia
Those who do not make moral accusations and do not threaten sanctions are welcome in Moscow. This week, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin told military bloggers that it was in Russia’s interest to maintain “good, trusting, and stable relationships with the part of the world that does not support the West and its satellites’ aggressive actions against Russia in Ukraine.”
However, Putin also announced that he would speak to the African delegation about withdrawing from the grain agreement, which was extended for two months in mid-May and expires on July 17. According to Putin, Russia’s interests are not taken into account, and only Ukraine benefits. The sanctions continue to hinder the export of Russian grain and fertilizers.
Russia is considering withdrawing from the agreement. At the same time, Russia is willing to provide the quantity of grain going to the poorest countries for free, which is “just over three percent. Putin wants to discuss this with the African delegation as well.
Promises – and Their Other Side
It is entirely unclear how this will happen. Putin also claimed that most of Ukraine’s grain is delivered to wealthy EU countries. However, he neglected to mention that China and Turkey, not just Spain, are among the three primary recipients.
He also omitted the fact that a reduction in global grain supply leads to higher prices, which also harms African countries.