Russian President Vladimir Putin (69) is passionate about Africa. His foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, 72, left on Sunday to visit Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda and the Republic of Congo – not without raising spirits beforehand.
Before his departure, Lavrov wrote in newspapers in these four countries: “We know that our African colleagues disapprove of the blatant attempts by the United States and its European satellites to impose a polar world order on the international community.”
Russians like to use one topic to stir up anti-Western sentiment: colonialism. European countries invaded African countries in the past and imposed their way of life and religion on the people. Lavrov wrote that Russia was “not stained by the bloody crimes of colonialism” and “did not impose anything or teach others how to live.”
Lavrov declares: Russia wants to overthrow the Ukrainian government(01:08)
The Russians want to take advantage of Africa’s hunger and social unrest
In addition, last week Putin slandered the “golden billion” in a speech – the population of the richest G7 countries living in prosperity at the expense of Africa and Asia.
What does Putin want to do with Africa? “Isolated Russia is trying to build a new geopolitical alliance,” says Ulrich Schmidt (56), a Russian expert at the University of St. Gallen. Unlike the US with warnings about human rights and democracy, Putin presents himself to African countries as a stable partner who approaches them without making moral claims.
Lavrov will use Africa’s hunger and social unrest to Russia’s advantage. Because the prices of essential commodities like grain have exploded due to the war. Famine is imminent. Lavrov has promised to release embargoed wheat in Ukraine.
No African country has joined the ban
Russian propaganda media ensure the Kremlin’s message spreads in Africa. Unlike in the West, where they are partially banned, in Africa they are allowed to continue spreading disinformation unhindered. In many places, Russian state broadcasters Russia Today (RT) and Sputnik have expanded their offerings and broadcast in French to reach as wide a population as possible.
The sympathy, fear and dependence of African countries towards Moscow is great – not least because of the private Wagner troops that appear in various states as military stabilizers of the current regimes. No African country has joined the US and European sanctions in punishing Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Ulrich Schmidt believes that African states will move economically and geopolitically towards Russia. Expert on Bligh: “Russia is demanding greater voting discipline from African countries in the UN General Assembly or preferential treatment for supplies of raw materials such as rare earths.”
“Wannabe pop culture fanatic. Zombie advocate. Entrepreneur. Internet evangelist. Alcohol fanatic. Typical travel buff.”
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