At a summit in Sochi, Russia, on November 10, 2024, President Vladimir Putin pledged 'total support' to African nations as part of Russia's strategy to strengthen ties with the continent amidst increasing Western isolation due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine [c5a27beb]. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered Putin's speech, emphasizing Russia's aim to position itself as a counterbalance to Western influence and promote a 'multipolar world' [c5a27beb]. This initiative comes as three West African nations—Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—have shifted their alliances from France to Russia following military coups [c5a27beb].
During the summit, it was highlighted that Russia delivered over US$5 billion in arms to Africa in 2023, showcasing its commitment to military partnerships [c5a27beb]. Russian firms, including Alrosa and Lukoil, have made significant investments across the continent, indicating a deepening economic relationship [c5a27beb]. Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop and Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore expressed their support for strengthening partnerships with Russia, reflecting a growing trend among African nations to seek alternatives to Western alliances [c5a27beb].
In the context of these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously met with President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo in Moscow, where they discussed cooperation in energy, agriculture, and military sectors [aa28a341]. They signed several agreements, including those related to nuclear energy and oil pipeline construction, as Russia seeks to enhance its presence in Africa [aa28a341]. The Republic of Congo, rich in untapped mineral wealth, is the fourth-largest oil producer in the Gulf of Guinea, yet faces significant poverty challenges, with nearly 80% of its population living in poverty [aa28a341].
Additionally, Putin met with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, discussing the reopening of the Russian embassy in Malabo and potential cooperation on security issues in the Gulf of Guinea [4c46d380]. The bilateral trade between Equatorial Guinea and Russia remains small, but there are significant prospects for trade with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) [4c46d380]. Meanwhile, the Niger government has expressed its desire to strengthen ties with Russia despite economic sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) [ded3d3eb]. The military coup in July 2023, which led to the overthrow of Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum, has opened new avenues for cooperation in security matters [ded3d3eb].
In a related note, Equatorial Guinea's Vice President, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, recently visited Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, where he was welcomed by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi [892b2b57]. Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea have established cordial relations and signed socio-economic development deals, further highlighting the growing connections between African nations and Russia [892b2b57].