Browsing: Russia-Africa

• Africa is the new battlefront where Russia and the US are vying for prominence.
• The battle is not new. During the Cold War, Russia and the US sought to expand their influence by supporting various African governments.
• The outcome will determine not only the fortunes of the competing powers but also the trajectory of African nations.

In the vast expanse of Africa, a new chapter in geopolitical influence is being written, with Russia and the US vying for prominence. As the continent rises in global importance due to its resources, burgeoning markets, and strategic significance, the world powers are engaging in a multifaceted competition for the hearts, minds, and resources of African nations.

Historical echoes of Russia and US maneuvers

The geopolitical dance between Russia and the US in Africa is not entirely novel. During the Cold War, both powers sought to expand their influence by supporting various African governments, …

• South Africa says Russian President Vladimir Putin will skip planned BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August.
• Since he was charged with war crimes by the ICC in March for kidnapping children from Ukraine, Putin has avoided travelling.
• On July 15, Putin talked with Ramaphosa on BRICS and the status of the Black Sea grain deal.

South Africa says Russian President Vladimir Putin will skip planned BRICS summit in Johannesburg next month because of his ICC arrest warrant. South Africa, which was facing a major diplomatic challenge on whether to arrest Putin, says it has requested the Russian President to stay away from the summit.

Putin was charged with war crimes by the ICC in March for the kidnapping of children from Ukraine. Since then, Putin has been avoiding travelling to all nations that are party to the court’s treaty.

Following a “mutual agreement,” the office of South African President Cyril …

When talking about bilateral ties, the most common complaints are inadequate support systems – both from the state and financial institutions. Russian NGOs are also pushing for a diverse set of initiatives aimed at enhancing ties.
The Coordination Committee for Economic Cooperation with African countries, a business and policy NGO, established as far back as 2009, proposes that funds be availed to support Russian business and investment in Africa.
Senator Igor Morozov, Member of the Committee for Economy Policy of the Federation Council (Senate) and Chairman of the Coordination Committee on Economic Cooperation with Africa observes that conditions that are opening up for Russian business today are not the same as those for businessmen from France, the European Union, India or China. …