Many African countries welcome the emergence of a multipolar world, a model notably advocated by Moscow, which could allow them to better assert their sovereignty, as explained to Sputnik Ivan Vangu Ngimbi, Ambassador of the DRC in Russia.
As the second Russia-Africa summit looms, Moscow seems determined to tighten ties with the continent. But beyond the various security or economic partnerships existing between the two parties, it is also Russia’s geopolitical vision that finds an echo in several African countries, as explained to Sputnik Ivan Vangu Ngimbi, Ambassador of the DRC in Russia.
The African peoples indeed find themselves in the vision of a multipolar world put forward by Moscow. A configuration that could allow them to better exercise their sovereignty and choose the partnerships that best serve their interests, underlines the diplomat.
“We have long lived under a kind of unipolar world dictatorship. Today, the aspiration of all is to be free to be able to engage in one direction or another. The multipolar world defended by Russia corresponds to the vision held by African leaders and peoples: to be able to assume their own sovereignty and choose the partner of the other choice,” explains Ivan Vangu Ngimbi.
The ambassador is also pleased that the collaborations between Moscow and Africa go beyond the security sphere, to cover other sectors such as research. In particular, Moscow is opening branches of its universities in several countries on the continent.
“When talking about Russia in the collective unconscious, the first thing that comes to mind is military strength. But we forget that there is a strong Russia in terms of technology and research. These are all aspects that we must discover (…) Sector by sector, education, health, research, to finally achieve a real osmosis between our States, our populations, between students, researchers too”. he declares.
Humanitarian and expanding market
Relations between Russia and Africa are also tied around humanitarian issues, particularly around food issues, as explained to Sputnik Zenebe Kinfu Tafesse, president of the Union of African Diasporas and teacher at the International University of Moscow. .
Deliveries of Russian cereals and fertilizers, now partially hampered by Western sanctions, are indeed vital for the development of African countries, underlines the expert.
“What do we expect from the Russia-Africa summit? We expect a lot. Especially in the humanitarian field. The question of cereals concerns us. It is the requirement of human life. 80% of sunflower oil is produced in Russia and Ukraine. These are official statistics. We would also like fertilizers,” says Zenebe Kinfu Tafesse.
The delivery of Russian and Ukrainian cereals to the African country has been controversial in recent weeks. Moscow has repeatedly offered to supply the most needy countries free of charge. But, despite the Istanbul agreements, most grain shipments have been redirected to countries in Europe. Tons of Russian fertilizers remain stuck in the ports of the Old Continent.
