By Basant El-Faramawy
Russian President Vladimir Putin told African leaders at the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow that Russia is their premier partner, accusing Western nations of retaining a colonial mindset aimed at exploiting the continent's natural wealth and using financial debt to suppress development.
Summit Draws 48 Countries
The two-day summit brought together government delegations from 48 countries, with 22 African heads of state attending. Putin is expected to hold bilateral talks covering trade, security, arms contracts, and grain shipments.
Strategic Push for Influence
Launched in 2019, the conference is part of Moscow's strategy to expand political, economic, and military clout across Africa, backed by Africa Corps paramilitary fighters, state media, and state-owned enterprises in mining and power generation.
Criticism of Western Policies
Putin said the emergence of a multipolar world faces resistance from countries accustomed to colonial thinking and enriching themselves. He accused Western nations of driving Africans into debt bondage and offering financial resources on predatory terms that slow development.
Russian Offers and Cooperation
By contrast, Putin said Russia is ready to share know-how, localize production, and expand local processing of raw materials to create jobs and tax revenue. He championed greater African influence in the IMF and World Bank, and proposed joint transport and agricultural infrastructure projects.
Education and Grain Supplies
About 40,000 African students currently study at Russian universities. Russia supplied 13 million metric tons of agricultural products to Africa in the first nine months of this year and is ready to supply grain and fertilizer to more than 40 African countries.
