Putin Pledges Russia Full Support to African Nations

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov delivered Vladimir Putin's speech to the assembly.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged total support to African nations, particularly in combating terrorism and extremism. 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov delivered the message to African leaders at a summit in Sochi, on the Black Sea. Several African nations, having distanced themselves from traditional Western allies, are increasingly turning to Moscow for assistance against frequent jihadist attacks. Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, expressed that Russia was a more fitting international partner than their former colonial power, France.

This sentiment is echoed by several former French colonies, including Mali, whose Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop contrasted Russia's "sincere" partnership with the "neo-colonial" approach of Western powers. Diop noted that Mali is expanding cooperation with Russia beyond military support to include joint initiatives in energy, telecommunications, technology, and mining. "Russian companies are working across these sectors with the Malian government and private partners to address the challenges facing the Malian people," he said on the conference's closing day.

The Wagner mercenary group—now rebranded as the Africa Corps under Russia’s defense ministry—has become the preferred security partner for leaders in countries like Mali, who previously expelled French and UN forces. Russia’s support, often traded for access to natural resources, is also accompanied by promises of non-interference in domestic affairs and no conditions on governance.

While Russia’s military assistance has helped stabilize ruling juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, progress against Islamist militants has been limited. Despite this, Russia views these partnerships as a diplomatic success, with foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stating the summit dispelled Western hopes of isolating Russia.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov highlighted the strengthening ties between Russia and Africa, stating that their cooperation is advancing "on all axes." Putin’s message reinforced this, pledging comprehensive support to African nations in areas like sustainable development, counter-terrorism, epidemic control, food security, and disaster response.

Rwanda, represented by Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe in Sochi, is one of several African countries already collaborating with Russia on nuclear energy. Nduhungirehe noted that hundreds of Rwandan students have graduated from Russian universities, including nuclear science specialists, and expressed hopes for further training in scientific management within this field.

Five years ago, Putin promised to double Russia's trade with Africa, though this goal remains unmet. Yet, Russia’s influence has grown considerably through alternative channels, which some in the West view as contributing to instability on the continent.