Why is Russia so interested in Africa? | The Stream

In the days of the Soviet Union, the Kremlin maintained strong ties with African nations. But the collapse of the USSR in the 1990’s caused Russia to retreat inward. But now, it appears ready to once again to establish close relationships on the continent.

In recent months, Russia has built military partnerships with Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR). The Kremlin has also shipped arms to Cameroon to aid in the fight against Boko Haram. It also has plans to build a nuclear power plant in Sudan.

Following an appearance in July at the 10th BRICS Summit (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted he was interested in organising the first ever Russia-Africa Summit.

For countries on the continent the attention from Moscow is tempting because it allows them to pit the Kremlin against China, India, Turkey and The West. And according to Russia’s Economy Minister, Mazim Oreshkin, a partnership with Russia can help African countries achieve sustainable growth in the wake of global trade wars and protectionism.

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[deeqcadexl]

Because africa is a rich continent and Russia needs that, in fairness we think that doing business with russia is better than most of the super power countries in the world

[Ufu]

Well, at least Russia isn't bombing African countries. I see nothing wrong doing business with Russia.

[cessemaboule]

Why shouldn't Russia be interested in Africa? You are talking of a country which did not enslave nor colonize any country of Africa unlike some you know very well who have been exploiting the african countries for centuries and won't let them reach their development!! Russia doesn't have mischievious relations with Africa. Leave Russia alone!!!

[alexomar]

Black people so forgiving, Russia in Africa to for its own interest period just like China, America, France to enhance the corruption of Africa as they take advantage of the lack of good governance, accountability, Transparency. and poor management. Africa is so Wealthy in resources yet so poor in capital wealth. . It breaks my ❤️

[africanfamily]

Its funny....they don't ask why European colonizers are interested in Africa.

[anyalecawale]

Everybody wants Africa's resources LOL.

[richardgyamfi]

United states of Africa will soon be on..a day is coming the continent who lives in darkness shall see the great light

[zibobatoua]

No country on earth can survive without Africa but Africa can survive without any country that's why everything was destroyed by the colonizers.

[lucasramon]

Africa is the face of the world, resources abundance opportunity, and is very important to discover Africa early as a future industrial continent of the world

[thAct]

No that this matters. But the reason Ethiopia was the only country in Africa that resisted and succeeded in staying independent from being colonized was because the Russia provided them with modern weapons and strategic knowledge of modern warfare at the time. And later on in history the Soviet Union, with China, provided the capitol to most movement in Africa, that brought about "the wind of change" which effectively ended European colonization, not just in Africa but everywhere else in the world. Just food for thought!!! Most of my life I was taught that the Soviet Union was bad, bit learning this part of history, i found it interesting.

[coola]

What country hasnt been interested in rich africa?

[fabiosunspot]

Why, what kind of dumb question is that Africa has the most natural resources on Earth...

[jaquezillustrations]

Nuclear waste will be the biggest issue for Africa, Africa should focus on clean energy infrastructure before dealing with nuclear plants, they should see that nuclear plants are a problem in other country and is not as clean as renewables. Africa need to protect their land and environment in order to make sure it begins to restore habitats and animals that live withing such a rich and beautiful continent.

[abdulbanzadiakite]

Africa should look to Russia .It's was a lessons for African leaders. Not to trust west what happens to colonel kaddafi.west feel to get ready of leaders we Russia to protect them

[nafertitifearlessbutloving]

Everyone wants piece of Africa and it's richness in natural resources. This is not a news, but China presence and their economical influence in the continent is definitely making the West very nervous.

[leoniegureghian]

Actually this is another smart move ... And why not? So far it has been shown the strong support that Mother Russia is extending towards other countries & mostly his allies ... Every smart country needs allies, not enemies ...

[NabeelAhmed-tfyh]

So unimaginable greatness is when we witness all eastern and western superpowers engage with the southern superpower.

[pharookgagamel]

Thx RUSSIA for being the Friends of AFRICA

[susiechiesa]

Please help my dear world in Thailand human are make trouble for Myanmar poor Human are is please help us

[ArtoCodes]

Russia is one of the richest countries in the world, filled with resources, rivers, seas, mountains and forests. With some of the best engineers in the world, possessing a full range of the highest technologies from space to military equipment.
Russia has an interest in stabilizing the African continent. That is, Europe suffers because of this, which directly affects the economy of Russia. In addition, terrorists are easily recruited in such places, and the Russians understand that such terrorist groups may be directed against them in the future. That is why they are helping Syria, Iraq and now Africa.


Russia did not come to Africa to earn money... They have a strategic interest. And it's actually good for ordinary Africans.