russia is expanding its diplomatic presence in Africa
head of the russian foreign ministry, sergey lavrov, announced preparations to open four more new embassies in African countries. Overall, moscow already has 45 diplomatic missions in Africa and plans to “cover the entire continent.”
The expansion of the diplomatic network is happening alongside the increase of political and ideological influence. russia actively promotes anti-Western narratives, including rhetoric about “fighting Western colonialism,” positioning itself as an alternative partner for African countries.
At the same time, russia’s presence has clearly pragmatic goals. It is about forming a bloc of states loyal to moscow that can support its positions on international platforms, as well as expanding opportunities to bypass Western sanctions.
The African direction also interests russia as a resource base: the kremlin is seeking access to mineral resources and simultaneously increasing practices of recruitment of citizens of African countries to participate in the war against Ukraine. In other words, behind the propaganda about “friendship” and “anti-colonialism” lies a distinctly exploitative nature of the kremlin’s interest in Africa.
