Russian foreign policy discussions continue to unfold as Moscow keeps reinforcing its presence across the global south, with Africa receiving particular attention over the last two years. The persistent outreach by Russian delegations comes as Western influence is perceived to be waning in some corners, and Moscow leverages historical ties to deepen relations. Across distant exchanges, many Africans view the Soviet legacy as a formative memory that shapes their current perspective on Russia and its leadership.
Ovigwe Eguegu, a political analyst with Development Reimagined, notes that Russia has long positioned itself as a traditional ally to African states, sometimes even before their independence. In the wake of the pandemic and the Ukraine conflict, Moscow has intensified its quest to cultivate friends around the world, with Africa playing a crucial role. Eguegu highlights Lavrov’s outreach to twelve countries in the last two years, mentioning Sudan’s openness to closer naval cooperation and South Africa’s interest in joint military exercises with Moscow. These moves reflect a broader pattern of engagement as Moscow seeks strategic partnerships on the continent. (Source: Eguegu’s analysis, contemporary geopolitical commentary)
The dialogue extends to collaborations with Burkina Faso, a former French colony, despite the Kremlin minister not visiting in person. The security landscape in West Africa, marred by Islamist insurgencies, has strained aid efforts and raised questions about the effectiveness of external assistance. Eguegu argues that many Francophone Africans reassess their ties to Paris, while also acknowledging the appeal of Russia’s security partnerships. He points to the presence of Russian mercenaries and the perception of Moscow as a counterbalance to traditional colonial influence, a sentiment resonating with local audiences who see potential gains from closer ties with Moscow.
In Burkina Faso, the shift toward Russian security cooperation has sparked debate within the public sphere about the growing role of the Wagner group and the broader question of military support. Journalists from Burkina Faso describe a willingness among some segments of society to cooperate with Moscow, anticipating access to advanced military equipment and a combination of political and diplomatic backing. Yet observers caution that populist enthusiasm may obscure deeper domestic challenges and governance issues that ultimately shape public acceptance of foreign military partnerships.
Another longstanding partner on the continent is the Central African Republic, where Wagner has maintained a long-standing presence. Allegations and unverified claims about crimes against civilians have circulated, and regional journalists investigating these topics have faced dangerous consequences. The complex security dynamic in the CAR underscores the sensitivity of foreign military involvement and the risks inherent in such partnerships, especially in contexts with fragile institutions and ongoing conflict.
USSR Legacies in Africa
Djibouti’s case illustrates a nuanced view: although there is no enduring Soviet colonial imprint on the country, many Africans regard Moscow as a liberator rather than a colonizer, a sentiment informed by the era when the Soviet Union supported anti-colonial movements. Eguegu emphasizes that the historical partnership contributed to a perception of shared anti-colonial sentiment, and some observers point to enduring symbols of that era, including flags and emblematic items that hint at Soviet-era cooperation. In Mozambique and Angola, Soviet influence left traces in weaponry and gear that remain part of the historical memory of defense and security cooperation. This association largely stems from a mid-20th-century context when global powers backed various colonial and post-colonial movements, reshaping regional dynamics and setting the stage for contemporary partnerships.
During the Cold War, Moscow faced sanctions and economic pressures influenced by Western alliances. These tensions did not prompt a wholesale retreat from African engagement, and analysts note that Washington and European capitals often questioned Africa’s stance toward Russia. Eguegu critiques the external pressure on domestic policy by foreign actors, suggesting that African governments weigh multiple factors in their strategic decisions rather than yielding to external coercion alone.
Across the continent, many countries have sought to maintain a posture of autonomy amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While explicit alignment with Moscow varies, states have expressed support for peaceful resolutions and diplomacy. In a notable UN General Assembly moment, Russia abstained from voting on a resolution to withdraw its troops, a stance that surprised some observers given broader international sentiment. This dynamic illustrates the delicacy of balancing local interests with global diplomatic expectations. Some states even consider whether to pursue security partnerships with actors like the Wagner group as part of broader counterterrorism strategies, though such choices carry complex political and ethical implications.