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At the Third Russia-Africa Summit, Moscow Talked Big. But Who Was Listening?
Russia used its third Russia-Africa Summit to present itself as a dependable partner and a counterweight to Western influence, while African leaders sought trade, support and diplomatic standing. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has made cooperation more contentious, raising questions about whether the summit’s show of friendship reflects broader African opinion.
Delegations from 48 countries attended, including 22 heads of state. Russia’s recruitment of African citizens for the war has provoked outrage and investigations in countries such as Kenya and South Africa, while disruption to Ukrainian agricultural exports has affected buyers including Kenya, Libya and Tunisia. Analysts said many attending leaders have political reasons to engage with Moscow, including reliance on Russian military or diplomatic support, but attendance should not be read as widespread approval.
In short
- Russia presented the summit as proof of strong ties with Africa.
- 48 countries attended, including 22 heads of state.
- Recruitment and war-related disruption complicate Moscow’s image.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Engaging with Moscow can serve African countries’ practical interests: Russia offers trade, military or diplomatic support, and a prominent forum in which leaders can pursue their own priorities. Maintaining ties with multiple powers may also strengthen their diplomatic standing and room for manoeuvre without implying approval of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The case against
The summit’s presentation of Russia as a dependable partner sits uneasily with the invasion of Ukraine, disruption to agricultural exports and reports of African citizens being recruited for the war. Leaders’ attendance may reflect political or security needs rather than broad public support, and treating it as evidence of friendship risks overlooking the costs and controversy of cooperation.
Explained simply
Russia and African countries have built ties through trade, diplomacy and security cooperation. Moscow presents itself as an alternative partner to Western governments, while African leaders seek investment, access to markets and support on issues important to their countries.
Those relationships vary: some governments rely on Russian weapons or diplomatic backing, while others are chiefly interested in trade or international influence. Russia’s war in Ukraine has added strain, including concern over the recruitment of African citizens and disruption to Ukrainian grain exports, which have affected food buyers across the continent.
African governments do not all share the same interests or views of Russia. A leader’s decision to engage with Moscow can reflect practical needs or political calculations, so it does not necessarily show wider public support.
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