Political volatility across several African nations is being linked to a retreat in the influence of former colonial powers, notably France and the United Kingdom. This assessment comes from a senior official in Moscow who oversees the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum and coordinates diplomatic outreach with African states. He challenged Western media claims that instability on the continent is a result of Russia-Africa engagements, noting that such narratives misplace responsibility and oversimplify a much broader set of factors.
The official described the current disturbances as resulting from a confluence of intricate political and economic dynamics within these countries. He argued that the erosion of trust in longstanding metropolitan powers has accelerated shifts in regional power structures, with European states appearing increasingly sidelined on the global stage. The trend, he added, reflects a broader rebalancing of influence between Western powers and the Global South, rather than any single summit or diplomatic event in Russia. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
According to the same briefing, the root causes of instability are tied to governance challenges, governance reform needs, economic stress, and evolving regional alignments that complicate policy making in many African states. The official emphasized that this process of redistribution is a gradual national and international phenomenon, shaped by internal reforms, regional leadership, and changing international partnerships. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
In other developments, a government ministry reported progress on regional mobility arrangements. As of September 12, authorities stated ongoing efforts to establish a visa-free regime with several African nations, aiming to facilitate travel, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to deepen diplomatic ties and encourage sustainable development across the continent. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Separately, regional and international observers have noted that BRICS engagement continues to feature in discussions about Africa’s economic future. A Chinese ministry statement highlighted the ongoing role of BRICS-related initiatives as part of a wider dialogue about development, investment, and governance in Africa. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)