Russia’s relationship with Africa was and remains unique, in a way that most states are missing. Russia had been distancing itself from the internal affairs of its allies. When Africa was forced to embrace Western democracy and civilisation as a new approach in order to qualify for foreign assistance, Moscow used that gap to help African states use their own efforts to produce for themselves, stand on their feet, and face their challenges as independent and sovereign states, writes Godwin Gonde Amani.
Russia’s relations with African states have intensified recently, balancing out the selection of allies that African states can make. The relations seem to be of more importance now than ever since states in Africa are faced with ideological differences and challenges that are collectively affecting the development of the continent. Africa has often been on the periphery of global processes and events. The question is; does Africa have a clear, unified voice in this unpredictable and complex world? Is Africa in a position to choose a friend to conduct diplomatic relations with?
Russia is not new to Africa; it established a strong foothold, mostly during the Cold War. Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia became a very strong partner of Africa during Vladimir Putin’s second term. Following the Crimean crisis and amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia has been condemned by the West as a pariah state, and any nation that is allied with it runs the risk of losing trust and support from Washington and Brussels. Africa has found itself in a diplomatic trap: choosing friends to work with in these times, when the world is divided.
During the decolonization period, the role of Russia directly affected most of the African states. Even though the newly independent states in Africa followed the Bandung stance of non-alignment, young men and women from Africa received ideological and technical training in St. Petersburg and Moscow. This education in agriculture, defence and security, as well as medical training, was very useful to these newly independent countries that Moscow offered its friendship to. The direct contact between the governments championed diplomatic relations and the pride of having a mutual ally was clear during that time.
Russia, however, was not the only country trying to woo Africa. The same efforts were observed in Beijing, London, Paris and New York. The developed states turned to Africa and looked for alliances; in turn they offered a number of promises and aid under the banner of brotherhood. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund were the foremost tools dictating the relationship between Africa and the West. The grants and loans issued by these institutions turned to be a heavy load for African shoulders. Relations were established with a lot of conditions; friendship between Africa and the West was far more about one side’s interests than shared wellbeing.
Russia’s relationship with Africa, however, was and remains unique, in a way that most states are missing. Russia had been distancing itself from the internal affairs of its allies. When Africa was forced to embrace Western democracy and civilisation as a new approach in order to qualify for foreign assistance, Moscow used that gap to help African states use their own efforts to produce for themselves, stand on their feet, and face their challenges as independent and sovereign states. Although it is a bit hard to notice the presence of Russians on the streets of African countries, the role of Russia in diplomacy is increasing now more than before.
Public diplomacy in the contemporary world
Public Diplomacy explores new tactics for how the public can be integrated within the field of diplomacy. The use of media, cultural diplomacy, exchange programmes and the like are currently effective. The youth are eager to seek changes, hence public diplomacy stands as a forum for them to be heard. China has effectively used the forum of Public Diplomacy to strengthen its relations with Africa, a lesson that Moscow needs to learn from an old friend. Old tactics that had been used during the Cold War period as a means to boost partnership need to be changed. The young generation, which used to read and hear the good and bad news about international politics, are now sitting at round tables to discuss the affairs of their states. New set-ups need to be in place and the relations forged should be in line with the interests of each party so that they can contribute equally in decision-making.
Traditional areas that Russia had been working in with Africa since decolonisation include defence and security. Russia had been a frontline state in assisting newly independent African states in protecting themselves and having total independence with their militaries, which had been formally under the control of their colonial masters. Throughout that period, cooperation was extended and touched other areas like Agriculture, Mining, Trade, and Oil and Gas. The stretching of the relations needs to go further, and touch other emerging areas including innovation, research, technological transfer, tourism, cultural diplomacy, sports, etc.
Current relations are conducted for the sake of mutual benefit and the issue of aid is considered outdated in the politics of today. Tanzania, for instance, when altering its foreign policy, made it clear that it is looking to trade with its partners rather than obtaining aid, and collective efforts in making the world a better place for all is the paramount focus of this new policy. Multilateralism has been a great approach in strengthening current relations, and therefore the role of the African Union to call for a second wave of Africanisation is important. With the growing nature of nationalism today, political and diplomatic experts expect the type of partnership in which all members are treated equally rather than being seen as recipients and donors.
Africa and the BRICS
The role of BRICS has been extended from its primary focus on only five members to more than twenty. With the inclusion of Ethiopia and Egypt, BRICS seems to be an alternative bloc that allows Africa to have a wide selection of allies. With Russia in it, BRICS seem to be a far better institution that allows Africans to sit and discuss the economy, security and the sustainable development of their continent on an equal basis. Unlike other blocs, in which a single member can veto many others and only pursue its interests, BRICS gives relief and an assurance of economic dependability that all members and observes can participate in for our common future.
Conclusion
Every relationship is built on the sense of trust that each partner has, that they are equally contributing to the partnership and can expect the respect of the other side. There have been a lot of experiences in the past where some Western countries have acted as a partner who gives you “everything” you need to fool you and make you feel loved, only to disappear after accomplishing their interests. Although there have been some complains about the limited presence of Russian projects and business with Africa, the assurance remains that Russia has been standing hand in hand with the continent since the very first days of independence. With that little assistance observed, it is an assured assistance that a friend can rely upon in times of need. That is compared to the partner who stands by you and makes you feel like he/she is present. That’s the assurance of the notion that ‘I love you a little, I’ll love you for a long time!’
