Putin Reaffirms Russia’s “Total Support” for African Countries at Sochi Summit

President Vladimir Putin has pledged Moscow’s “total support” for African countries, emphasizing assistance in counter-terrorism and sustainable development. In his address, read by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the recent Sochi summit, Putin highlighted Russia’s growing partnerships with African nations, many of which have shifted away from traditional Western allies. Burkina Faso and Mali, and other countries expressed a preference for Russia over Western powers, citing Moscow’s non-interventionist approach and military cooperation. While these alliances often involve resource agreements, they remain appealing to countries seeking stability without Western political influence. The summit underscored Russia’s increasing influence in Africa as countries with strong ties to the West, like Rwanda, were also present. The EU’s representative for the Sahel, Emanuela Del Re, acknowledged these shifts, urging the West to recognize Africa’s diversified partnerships.

SOURCE: BBC