Russian Putin's rhythm of drumming returned to Africa was 15:17 on October 30

Africa called the “last huge market”. In particular, Japan, which opened the TICAD = African Development Conference in August, China, which continues to invest heavily, and Western countries are further strengthening their ties.

Under these circumstances, Russia, led by President Putin, started to move late. In October, Russia held its first “Russia-Africa Summit”, which brought together representatives from various African countries. What is the true aim of the advance into Africa hidden behind the smile of President Putin welcoming the leaders from Africa?
(Moscow branch reporter Yusuke Kitamura, International reporter Nao Takatsuka)

Africa is an “old friend”

President Putin declared that he opened a new page with the African continent at the summit meeting held in October for the first time in Russia by inviting representatives of 54 African countries to Sochi in the south.

He has doubled the annual trade value of about $ 20 billion a year to $ 40 billion in several years, and emphasized the African focus as the summit meeting is held every three years.

Putin shaking hands with the leaders as if meeting an old friend. Many members of the Russian-speaking delegation were also seen. This intimacy is the long-standing connection between Russia and Africa.

Russia's predecessor, the Soviet Union, established diplomatic relations with African countries against the West during the Cold War. In the 1960s, he supported the independence struggle to increase the socialist camp and put money and weapons. As a result of improving the infrastructure of African countries, rebuilding the military, and accepting a large number of international students, it will become more influential than the former colonial powers of Europe.

However, in the late 1980s, the Soviet Union declined due to economic deterioration and domestic turmoil, and collapsed in 1991. Support for Africa has been discontinued and trade has fallen dramatically. It was President Putin, who took office in 2000, that brought about changes in the estranged relationship.

Russia, led by President Putin who advocates the “resurrection of the great power of Russia,” approaches Africa. When economic sanctions by Western countries began in 2014 in the confrontation over Ukraine, the flow was accelerated at a stretch to avoid international isolation.

The trump card for reincarnation is “military technology”

Russia aims to expand its influence in Africa as it once did. But now, China, the world's second-largest economy, has an overwhelming presence, and Russia's feeling of lateness cannot be denied.

Therefore, “military technical cooperation” appealed. Russia signed military technical cooperation agreements with more than 30 countries in Africa. Emphasizing “supporting Africa with anti-terrorism measures”.

Invited military personnel from Africa to weapons exhibitions and air shows that open in the suburbs of Moscow, strengthening the sales of weapons that have been evaluated since the Soviet era, such as automatic rifles, armored cars, military helicopters, etc. doing.

The “Student Group” once educated in the Soviet Union is said to play the role of a pipe, and the range of cooperation is expanding year by year, such as training soldiers from various countries and dispatching Russian military advisers. .

A new friendship linked by resources?

Russia's approach to Africa goes beyond military technology. State-owned oil giants, government gas companies, and diamond production companies that have focused on Africa's abundant resources have entered the market one after another. Oil fields were dug in the desert and underwater, and Angola discovered the world's leading diamond mine with an estimated reserve of 300 million carats.

An executive of the diamond production company “Arrosa” was talking with excitement, “Africa is the last frontier to discover new mines!”

Russia places emphasis on the African market not only as a resource, but also as an export destination for infrastructure such as railways and nuclear power plants, and agricultural products such as wheat, which focuses on expanding production. In Egypt, it was decided to create a special economic zone for Russia.

The comfort of the drum rhythm

For Africa, Russia is an “easy to assemble” partner. We do not place orders for human rights issues or democratic systems as in Western countries. In addition, as in China, we have not been forced to repay by making huge loans, and there are not many workers coming from home country and taking jobs.

The relationship between Russia and Africa is also used in international politics. When attracting UN resolutions and expositions, the “African vote” is sometimes supported by Russia, making it a “friend” of Russia that deepens the conflict with the West.

On the other hand, some view Russia's influence is limited. Some say, “Russian economy is sluggish and the social welfare of the people is insufficient, but can we afford to reach Africa?”

In addition, critics say that Russia's support is biased towards a powerful government, promoting repression of rebels and confrontation with neighboring countries.

There are also risks for Russia. There were reports that five members of a Russian private military company, which supported government troops in northern Mozambique on October 27, were killed in an ambush attack.

How does the drum rhythm that President Putin hits the African land? “Last huge market” The battle between countries in Africa continues.

Reporter from Moscow office
Yusuke Kitamura

International reporter
Takatsuka Nao