The vast continent of Africa, with its wealth of resources and strategic importance, has long been a playground for global powers, each seeking to exert influence and further their interests. Historically, Western nations have been criticised for their neo-colonial exploits on the continent. Now, there is a new player making significant moves: Russia. But are their intentions genuinely altruistic, or is this just another façade of modern imperialism?
Russia’s growing involvement in Africa, particularly in countries like Mali, Libya, and the Central African Republic, is evident. On the surface, their assistance appears as a helping hand, especially in nations ravaged by jihadist threats. However, scratch a bit beneath the surface, and a more sinister picture emerges.
Recent findings from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies have outlined how Russia actively seeks to undermine democracy in numerous African nations through political interference, disinformation campaigns, and challenging constitutional norms. Their influence is far-reaching, influencing votes in global forums like the UN General Assembly. African countries’ positions on significant international matters, such as the situation in Ukraine, could be swayed by Moscow’s underhand tactics.
But perhaps the most alarming facet of Russia’s African expedition is its military engagement, most notably through the Wagner Group mercenaries. Operating under the guise of assistance, these mercenaries have unfettered access to the continent’s abundant raw materials. Gold, for example, has become a prime target. However, their mission isn’t purely materialistic. The Wagner Group, as extensions of the Kremlin’s strategies, plays a pivotal role in broadening Russia’s political influence.
Mali stands out as a classic example of Russia’s cunning. Following a decade of French involvement that did not yield the expected results, the nation distanced itself from its former colonisers. With the UN’s MINUSMA peacekeeping mission under scrutiny and facing a potential withdrawal, Russia, armed with its Wagner mercenaries, saw an opportunity. But their involvement is far from benevolent. A UN report uncovered the horrific realities of a military operation in Moura in 2022, linking the Wagner group to the extrajudicial killings of over 500 individuals. Such atrocities, the worst associated with Wagner mercenaries outside Ukraine, paints a bleak picture of Russia’s “assistance”.
Moscow’s mastery of disinformation campaigns is also evident in Africa. Their adeptness at weaving narratives portraying the Kremlin as a defender against Western colonialism has earned them numerous supporters worldwide. Take Niger’s recent military coup as an example. Even with the sudden demise of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, pro-Russian Telegram channels continued their disinformation efforts unabated, indicating Moscow’s unwavering commitment to furthering its agenda.
While the West’s engagement with Africa has its own chequered history, Russia’s current machinations seem to mirror old imperialistic ambitions. Cloaked under the banner of support and assistance, their activities raise pertinent questions: Is Russia genuinely Africa’s friend, or are they merely the newest players in an age-old game of exploiting the continent for power, resources, and influence?
For the African nations caught in this geopolitical tug-of-war, discerning friend from foe becomes ever more critical. Embracing partnerships for growth and security is vital, but so is recognising when those partnerships are veiled attempts at neo-colonial dominance.
Image Credit: Alexei Danichev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP
