MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to host African leaders in Saint Petersburg this week for a summit aimed at bolstering ties between Russia and Africa, despite concerns over the conflict in Ukraine and the suspension of a deal on Ukrainian grain exports.
President Putin, who has faced international isolation since the military campaign in Ukraine, continues to find support in several African countries. On the Kremlin website, Putin expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that it is constructive and future-oriented.
The summit, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, has drawn interest from several African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. However, the Kremlin accused Western countries of attempting to deter participants by exerting unprecedented pressure on African states. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, highlighted the active involvement of US and French embassies, and other Western missions to prevent the summit from taking place.
The major agenda item during the summit will be the termination of a deal that facilitated Ukrainian grain exports, including to African markets, through the Black Sea. Russia withdrew from the deal, citing unfulfilled promises to allow Russian exports. Over the course of a year, this deal facilitated approximately 33 million tonnes of grain exports from Ukrainian ports, contributing to global food price stabilization and preventing shortages.
Russia Ready to Provide Free Grain to Africa
In recent days, Moscow has tried to reassure African partners by expressing understanding for their concerns regarding the grain export issue. The Kremlin has asserted its readiness to provide grain for free to African countries in need. However, President Putin clarified that Russia could consider returning to the agreement only if the part of the deal allowing Russian grain and fertilizers is fully implemented.
Russia has been actively seeking to strengthen diplomatic and security ties with Africa since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has undertaken two tours of the continent this year, emphasizing Russia’s support against Western “imperialism” to win over African leaders.
Experts believe that Russia’s efforts to increase influence in Africa primarily manifest through security contracts and assistance in social media campaigns. The Wagner mercenary group, which played a significant role in Africa’s security sphere, experienced a failed mutiny against Russia’s military leadership last month, raising doubts about its future operations on the continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron has accused Moscow of seeking to destabilize Africa, a charge that Russia promptly rejected while pointing to France’s colonial past. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia is developing friendly and constructive relations with Africa based on mutual respect.
African leaders have also sought to play a more prominent role in resolving the Ukraine conflict. Last month, a delegation of African leaders visited Moscow and Kyiv, urging both sides to cease hostilities. However, the initiative had limited impact.
The upcoming summit in Saint Petersburg precedes a gathering of leaders from BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) scheduled to take place in Johannesburg next month. South Africa confirmed that President Putin, who is subject to an international arrest warrant for actions in Ukraine, will not be attending the BRICS summit in person.
