Russia expands diplomatic footprint in Africa with new embassies
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the establishment of a new department focused on African partnerships. The objective is to enhance cooperation with African countries. As part of this strategy, Russia intends to open embassies in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Togo, South Sudan, Niger, and the Comoros.
The head of Russian diplomacy, Sergey Lavrov, stated during the inauguration of the new department that Russia is returning to Africa. He explained that previous neglect was due to the challenging financial situation of the Soviet Union and the pro-Western political orientation of the newly formed Russia. Now, according to him, Moscow wants to rectify these mistakes.
"There were several reasons for the weakening of our ties and interest in the African continent. One of them was the difficult financial situation of the Soviet Union and the independent states that emerged from it, including the Russian Federation. It was an absolutely hopeless situation. We had to close our embassies to save the funds allocated for foreign policy," he argued.
As part of its reopening to Africa, Russia plans to soon reopen embassies that were closed years ago in Liberia, neighbouring Sierra Leone, Gambia, Togo, Niger, the Comoros, and South Sudan.
Changes in relations with Russia
Liberia, which for years denied Russia the right to open an embassy, changed its position after the 2023 elections. The new administration of President Joseph Boakai expressed a willingness to strengthen ties with Russia. However, the opposition Congress for Democratic Change warns of a threat to the country's stability.
Russia is not limiting itself to opening embassies. In November of last year, it sent military instructors to Equatorial Guinea, and earlier signed a military cooperation agreement with Cameroon. These actions aim to bolster the Russian presence on the continent.
Strategic goals
Russia aims to gain access to the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Countries such as Gambia, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Liberia, and Togo are strategically significant due to their coastal locations. The Comoros can provide access to the western part of the Indian Ocean, where India and China are competing.
Russia is already exploiting gold and diamond deposits in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. New partnerships could increase its influence in a region abundant in natural resources.
