US takes steps to curb Russia's growing influence in Africa

Moscow/Washington: In the background of the Russia-Ukraine war, there are indications that Russia’s influence on the African continent is increasing. It has upset the West, including the US, and they have started taking steps to curb Russia’s influence. Both Russia-China and US-Europe are trying to turn African countries on their side. The US media claimed this could start a new cold war in Africa.

The Africa Summit is underway in Russia, and the heads of state and senior officials of nearly 40 African countries are attending the conference. It shows Russia’s growing influence in Africa. Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the meeting on Monday. On this occasion, he assured that Africa would be an important part of the leadership in the new multipolar world. President Putin also claimed that Russia will always prioritize cooperation with African countries.

Putin announced that Russia is waiving 20 billion dollars of loans given to African countries. President Putin also assured the African countries about the ‘Grain Deal’ in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. President Putin warned that even if Russia withdraws from this agreement in the future, free food grains will be supplied to African countries. Putin also claimed in the conference that Russia and African countries are opposing the neo-colonialist ideology imposed from outside and are striving to protect social principles.

After the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out, many countries on the African continent refused to support the West’s alliance by adopting an isolationist policy. African countries maintained their stance even after European countries tried to pressure them. Against this background, Russia has started strengthening its influence in Africa. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Africa in January. Then in February, Russia’s advanced warship arrived in South Africa for naval exercises.

On the strength of cooperation in energy and defence, Russia has started adding to the number of partners in Africa. Wagner Group, a contract security company in Russia, has deployed its troops in some African countries, through which Russia is trying to expand its base further. This is bothering the US and European countries, and now the Western countries have started issuing open warnings about it.

A few days ago, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid a surprise visit to Niger, Africa. It marks the fourth time a senior US official has visited Africa this year. In this visit, the US announced financial and defence assistance for the Sahel region and Niger. After that, the US claimed that Russia was plotting to assassinate the President of Chad in Africa. Before that, US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield had warned about the growing closeness of African countries with Russia.

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