Russia launches new game in Africa

For its part, although it prioritizes relations with African countries, in reality, in recent years, Russia's role and position in this region have been quite limited for many reasons. But perhaps the current context and time are different, Moscow is looking to start a new game to seek more geostrategic interests in Africa. Of course, this move is making both the US and China wary!

First Summit

Looking back over the past decade, Russia's cooperation and interests in Africa have begun to improve compared to before. Figures from the Russian Foreign Ministry show that trade cooperation between the country and African countries has increased by about 350%. Recognizing the strategic economic interests, a Russia-Africa economic forum along with a summit between Russia and the leaders of at least 47 countries in the region will be held for the first time on October 23-24 in Russia. Russian President Putin will personally solemnly welcome partners from Africa.

BRICS Summit in Johannesburg (South Africa). Photo: chinadaily.com

It is no coincidence that at the BRICS Summit (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in Johannesburg, South Africa last year, President Putin spoke highly of and prioritized developing relations with African countries based on the traditional friendship and mutual support that has existed for decades.

And it cannot be denied that Russia has historically had good relations with many African countries. From the 1960s to the 1970s, the Soviet Union participated in supporting movements for national independence and liberation, fighting against colonialism or debt relief for countries, and had training courses for a generation of famous African leaders...

Soviet symbols in Africa include the Kalashnikov rifle printed on the flag of Mozambique. Photo: AFP

However, it is also a fact that these struggles have largely failed, causing negative impacts on both economic and political cooperation between Moscow and countries in the region. Russia itself in the late Soviet era then faced many internal problems that caused the bonds of cooperation and mutual support to freeze.

Since President Putin came to power, Russia-Africa relations have shown signs of improvement. In particular, in response to Western sanctions since 2014, Russia has begun to seek new partners to overcome the economic consequences; and Africa is one of the targets that Russia is aiming for. However, despite certain improvements, so far, the situation is still not as bright as expected when compared to other countries. It is shown that Russia-Africa trade cooperation is quite modest with 20 billion USD achieved in 2018. Meanwhile, US-Africa trade cooperation is 61 billion USD, China-Africa is more than 200 billion USD or the European Union (EU) is also more than 300 billion USD.

The formidable factor

Despite some historical advantages, Russia is clearly a latecomer compared to rivals such as the US, China, France and Japan. With the difficulties caused by Western sanctions, Russia also does not have as much financial potential to invest in infrastructure projects in Africa as China.

“Know yourself, know your enemy”, in recent times, Russia has not chosen economic cooperation as the focus of its investment in this region. Instead, Moscow has chosen security cooperation, providing and supporting equipment in this field as well as developing commercial opportunities from arising arms sales contracts. Looking back over the past years, Russia has signed 23 security cooperation agreements with African governments and has become the largest arms supplier to this region. These include Burkina Faso, Mali or Congo… Russia is also planning to build a large-scale logistics center at a port in Eritrea.

Several African countries participated in the International Military-Technical Forum “Army 2018” organized by the Russian Defense Ministry in Kubinka, Russia. Photo: cavie-acci.org

Of course, Russia has also made selective investments in Africa, such as the project to build the first nuclear power plant in Egypt or develop one of the world's largest platinum mines in Zimbabwe. At this Russia-Africa Economic Forum, Russia is also expected to propose that African partners jointly explore and exploit resources such as gold, copper or oil and gas...

Looking back at just last year and early this year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made many trips to sub-Saharan countries and the North African region. In addition, Russia also took the opportunity to demonstrate its role and voice with African countries at forums such as BRICS (including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa); the African Union (AU) or the West African Economic Community... Among them, the New Development Bank of BRICS is likely to be a positive source of funding for the African region.

The geostrategic race in Africa between the US, China and Russia is getting hotter. Photo: allafrica.com

In addition, Russian President Putin also affirmed that he will have a different cooperation and development strategy than the West or China. That is the commitment not to use pressure or threats outside the guise of investment like the US and also not to exploit resources or "investment debt traps" of China for countries in the region. And that this region rich in potential resources is a level playing field between competitors. In this race, it is clear that Russia has an advantage in easily building trust with African partners with a history of good relations.

With Russia increasingly enhancing its position and voice in many regions - especially the Middle East - North Africa, it is inevitable that African countries will warm up their relations with Moscow. This is also the message that countries in the region send to traditional partners such as the US or China that Africa has another potential partner, Russia. It also means that Washington and Beijing need to consider and adjust their cooperation and investment policies in Africa in a fair manner for all parties!

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Angolan President Joao Lourenco at the BRICS Summit in South Africa on July 26, 2018. Photo: AP

For his part, after Mr. Putin's visit to the Middle East countries last week, the first summit between Russia and African countries once again affirmed Moscow's diplomatic focus on this region. Not only increasing its voice and position, a series of arms sales agreements and mineral exploitation investment in the black continent are perhaps the strongest motivations for Russian President Putin to press the button to activate a new game in Africa. Of course, it is predicted that this will be a very exciting and equally attractive game!