Russia-Africa Forum Faces Growing Scrutiny: Critics Call Out Neocolonialism and Contradictions in Draft Statement

The inaugural Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, held in Sochi, Russia, has sparked intense debate, with critics accusing the partnership of masking neocolonial ambitions and questionable motives under the guise of cooperation. While the summit, which began on Sunday, is intended to strengthen ties between Russia and African nations across various sectors—including politics, security, economics, science, and culture—the joint statement being drafted has raised concerns among pro-democracy advocates and human rights groups.

Organized by the Roscongress Foundation, the forum aims to build on the decisions made at the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit, which established a new platform for ongoing dialogue. Key figures from both Russian and African governments, business sectors, and media attended the event, marking a major step in fostering deeper relations between the two regions. Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the Russian President, emphasized the significance of the forum, stating that it represents an essential initiative to enhance cooperation in multiple dimensions, from security to humanitarian issues.

However, the tone of the draft joint statement has sparked controversy. One of the primary points of contention is Russia’s assertion of a shared commitment with African nations to combat “any manifestation of neo-colonialism,” pledging to work towards decolonization under the United Nations framework. Proponents of the statement argue that this reflects a genuine desire for a more equitable global order. Yet, critics contend that Russia’s actions—both historically and in the present day—contradict these lofty claims.

The Neocolonial Question

Andrea Ngombet, a Congolese human rights activist and the executive director of the Sassoufit Collective, voiced his concerns about Russia’s rhetoric, describing it as “misleading” and “downright false.” He pointed out the hypocrisy of Russia, a former European colonial power, criticizing the West for its colonial legacy while continuing to engage in practices that resemble colonial exploitation—especially in Africa. Ngombet further criticized Russia’s involvement in supporting authoritarian regimes in Africa, noting that countries that align themselves with Russia are “neither safer nor richer” and are often “on the brink of collapse.”

Russia’s military and political support for regimes in places like Mali, Central African Republic, and Sudan has been widely criticized as being more about expanding influence than helping to fight terrorism or extremism. While Russia positions itself as a counterforce to Western colonialism, critics argue that it is guilty of similar forms of exploitation, using its military and economic power to shape African nations’ politics for its benefit.

The Food Security Controversy

Another key issue highlighted in the draft joint statement is food security. The Forum has expressed a commitment to ensuring food safety and nutrition across Africa, particularly through agricultural collaboration and initiatives to address the continent’s food crises. However, Russia’s recent role in exacerbating global food insecurity due to its invasion of Ukraine has drawn skepticism. Despite pledging to donate grain to the most needy African countries, Russia’s actions in Ukraine have led to significant disruptions in global grain supplies, further undermining the credibility of its claims to be a “savior” in the global food security landscape.

In 2022, Russia supplied 11.5 million tons of grain to Africa, a significant contribution, but it was not enough to address the broader global grain shortage caused by the war. Critics argue that Russia’s war in Ukraine has exacerbated the global food crisis, making it difficult for African nations to rely on Russia’s assurances regarding food safety.

Russia’s “Counterterrorism” Efforts

Russia’s involvement in counterterrorism on the African continent has also been under scrutiny. While Russia claims to be aiding African nations in fighting extremism, critics like Ngombet argue that its true motives are centered on expanding its influence in the region rather than genuinely supporting peace efforts. Russia’s backing of regimes in Africa, often with military aid or security personnel, has raised questions about whether the country is truly fighting terrorism or using the situation to solidify its presence and control over strategic resources and political alliances.

A Glimpse at Russia-Africa Relations Post-2019

Russia’s engagement with Africa has evolved significantly since the Soviet era, but the 2019 Sochi Summit marked a turning point in its efforts to expand influence across the continent. The joint declaration adopted at the summit highlighted Russia’s commitment to expanding trade, scientific cooperation, and political partnerships with African countries, resulting in $12.5 billion worth of agreements.

While Russia’s economic initiatives—such as nuclear energy agreements and the construction of nuclear power plants in Egypt, Algeria, and South Africa—hold the potential to address Africa’s energy deficiencies, the track record of such projects has been marred by delays, corruption allegations, and questions of transparency. For instance, Russia’s $25 billion deal to build a nuclear power plant in Egypt has faced hurdles, and South Africa’s nuclear agreement with Russia was deemed unconstitutional due to lack of parliamentary approval.

Looking Forward: Will the Russia-Africa Partnership Thrive or Falter?

As the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum continues to unfold, it is clear that the relationship between Russia and Africa is far from simple. While Russia’s initiatives may offer short-term benefits for some African countries, the long-term implications of such partnerships remain uncertain. Critics argue that African nations must tread carefully, ensuring that any cooperation with Russia is not one-sided or exploitative.

The debate over Russia’s role in Africa is intensifying, and the outcomes of this summit will likely shape the future of Africa’s geopolitical landscape. In particular, African leaders will need to balance the promises of economic aid and security cooperation with the risks of becoming further entangled in Russia’s global ambitions. Whether this partnership leads to genuine development or merely reinforces old patterns of dependence and exploitation remains to be seen.