The verdict of Western observers on the outcome of July Russia-Africa Summit is that it was a failure, largely because of the smaller-than-expected number of heads of state in attendance, But, according to Moscow, the conference rekindled the progress it had been making to strengthen relations with the African continent…
One of the regions Russia has targeted is the Sahel, where it has promised to re-establish some of the diplomatic missions that had not been opened in 30 years during the era of the Soviet Union, Seventeen heads of state attended the summit, down from 45 leaders who attended the maiden 2019 edition.
The significance of the low turnout of heads of state, however, wasn’t lost on the Russians themselves. The Kremlin blamed it on “sabotage” by the West, singling out the US and France for pressuring African leaders to boycott the summit. Notable attendees, however, were the presidents of Egypt, South Africa and Senegal.
The countries where these proposed embassies are located have not been named but discussions are underway. Russia is currently present in 37 countries on the continent, with 34 embassies, Two countries, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea – are already confirmed to reopen Russian embassies in their capitals. These were among several African countries where the Soviet Union shut its embassies in the 1990s as it collapsed, and its republics splintered, The other countries include Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Sao Tome and Principe.
