Russia roots deeper in West Africa: Kamaz factory in Senegal
Russia is expanding its influence in West Africa by strengthening ties with Senegal, where it is opening a Kamaz vehicle factory. According to the Senegalese press, specialist military trucks, including the heavily armoured and landmine-resistant Typhoon-K, will be produced there.
Kamaz has been a significant supplier of freight trucks and military vehicles to Africa for years. The military forces of Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, South Africa, and Sudan use them. The Kamaz-63968 model is especially popular, and it is known for its adequate protection against explosive devices and mines. Thanks to its reinforced construction, these vehicles perform well on Africa's rugged terrains.
The choice of Senegal is not accidental. In 2018, Russia signed a military cooperation agreement with this West African country, which includes training Senegalese military personnel and providing military equipment. Moreover, Russia is offering even more support.
We have a common interest in joining efforts to combat these threats. Russia is ready to assist Senegal and other African states in strengthening their defence capabilities and improving the anti-terrorist readiness of their armed forces and special services, promised Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in late August during a conversation with Senegalese Foreign Minister Yacine Fall.
Senegal is Russia's second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa. Russia meets about 40% of Senegal's wheat demand.
With access to the Atlantic Ocean and sharing borders with Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest, Senegal holds a significant geopolitical position in West Africa. It is the fourth-largest economy in the regional ECOWAS bloc, which now consists of twelve countries after the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Senegal also noticed by China
These countries, run by military juntas, have severed ties with their former Western allies, France and the United States, to strengthen ties with Russia. Senegal is also one of the most stable countries in the region, a rarity in this part of Africa, as it has never experienced military rule.
Senegal's position has been further enhanced by recently discovered offshore oil and gas reserves.
China has noticed this as well, with its leading defence company Norinco recently opening a new office in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. The company already supplies Senegal with VN2 infantry fighting vehicles, armoured vehicles, and reconnaissance vehicles, and discussions are ongoing regarding the supply of rifles and ammunition.
