Moscow wants to grow its influence in sub-Saharan Africa. To that end, Russian diplomats have pledged to assist several countries. Experts say the Russian aid isn’t charity: It’s meant to garner political support and mineral wealth from many of Africa’s 54 countries.
The Sahel is a mineral-rich section of the African continent. Violence there is on the rise. The area, which sweeps from Senegal to the Red Sea, has resources necessary in the modern world for economic and national security.
France, the United States, and other Western allies have tried to help fight Islamic terrorist groups in the Sahel for years.
But today, Russia is becoming the preferred security partner for a growing number of African governments. Analysts say Moscow needs political support—or at least neutrality—from these nations regarding its war in Ukraine. After all, African nations make up the largest voting bloc at the United Nations.
To gain allies, Russia is expanding operations in Africa, especially the Sahel. Russia offers military protection to African leaders and help against extremists.
Russian officials have exploited political unrest, discontent, and poor control in some nations there. Their help comes without meddling in African politics. Russia doesn’t require respect for issues like democracy and human rights as most Western nations do.
That makes Russia a choice partner for countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Recent coups in those countries brought military juntas critical of the West to power. (A junta is a governing council that takes control after revolutionary activity overthrows an existing government.) These juntas often violate global human rights standards, so finding a non-judgy ally is ideal.
Instead of interfering in politics, Moscow requests mineral and other contracts in exchange for food, security, and weapons.
Russia’s plan appears to be working. An EU study reveals that Russia has access to gold and diamonds in the Central African Republic, cobalt in Congo, gold and oil in Sudan, platinum and diamonds in Zimbabwe, and uranium in Namibia.
Mali and Burkina Faso ordered Western forces out and turned to Russia for support.
Last year, Niger ordered the United States to withdraw its troops. The U.S. military had to close a sprawling drone base earlier this year. The decision toppled U.S. operations in the Sahel.
But the void didn’t last long.
Just weeks later, Russian trainers arrived bearing their own defense equipment.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. — Psalm 20:7
Why? Kingdoms, countries, and rulers come and go. But God is eternal, unchanging, and all-powerful.
