Calay News
At the second Russia-Africa summit, which took place in Saint Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin strove to strengthen ties with African countries amid the international isolation Russia has faced since its military offensive in Ukraine in February 2022. In his opening speech, Putin announced the free shipment of up to 50,000 tons of grain to six African countries, including Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic, and Eritrea.
One of the hot topics at the summit was Moscow’s abandonment of a crucial deal that allowed Ukraine to export its grain across the Black Sea, including to Africa, helping to stabilize world food prices and avert shortages. This has led to tensions and accusations between Russia and Ukraine, with the spokeswoman for the Ukrainian army accusing Russia of wanting to monopolize grain.
Despite the tensions, the Kremlin announced the participation of 49 African countries in the summit and the signing of a final declaration that will set out coordinated approaches for cooperation between Russia and Africa. However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged African leaders to demand responses to the grain crisis and send a clear message to Russia about its responsibility in the current situation.
Putin also met with the leaders of African countries such as Ethiopia and Egypt to discuss common projects in the field of energy. In addition, the Russian leader has sought to strengthen his ties with Africa through the presence of the Wagner paramilitary group, although his recent failed coup attempt in Russia has raised questions about the future of his operations on the continent.
The summit also addressed the attempted coup in Niger, with Russian diplomacy calling for the prompt release of President Mohamed Bazoum, kidnapped by military coup leaders. The situation in Niger and other countries in the Sahel has led their leaders to reach out to Russia after seizing power through coups.
The summit took place in a context in which Putin resigned from attending the BRICS summit in South Africa, at which the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him, ending months of speculation.
