African countries in West and Central Africa are turning to Russia for support, reassessing their relationships with former colonial powers like France.
Russia's influence in Africa is driven by a desire to reduce Western influence, expand economic opportunities, and gain access to resources, but concerns about human rights abuses and lack of transparency persist.
Deep dives
Russia's increasing influence in West and Central Africa
The podcast discusses the growing presence and influence of Russia in West and Central Africa. It highlights how countries like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have turned to Russia for support, even displaying Russian flags during military coups. The podcast also explores Russia's involvement in the Central African Republic, where the Wagner group, a private military company, has a presence. Russian influence is seen in various aspects, such as cultural centers, monuments, and popular Russian brands. Interviews with locals and officials reveal that many people perceive Russia as a stabilizing force and value its partnership. The motivations behind Russia's increased influence in Africa are discussed, including reducing Western influence and expanding Russian influence on the continent. However, concerns about human rights abuses and the nature of Wagner's involvement are also raised.
Factors driving African countries to turn to Russia
African countries, including those in the Sahel region, are attracted to Russia due to various factors. One of the main reasons is the desire to reassess relationships with former colonial powers like France, which is seen as having extractive and exploitative practices. Russia presents itself as a partner, offering infrastructure development and economic cooperation. Additionally, countries that have faced political instability and insurgent violence find a sense of security in Russian support. The podcast also mentions China's presence in Africa, noting that while China provides financial and infrastructure assistance, Russia's approach appears more focused on fostering partnerships and countering Western influence.
Russia's motivations and potential consequences
Vladimir Putin's motivations for increasing Russia's influence in Africa are analyzed. The podcast suggests that Putin seeks to expand Russian influence, reduce Western influence, and gain practical benefits such as access to resources and economic opportunities. However, it is emphasized that Putin's actions are driven by self-interest and a cold-blooded approach, rather than genuine concern for African countries. The podcast raises concerns about human rights abuses reportedly committed by Wagner mercenaries, as well as the lack of transparency surrounding Russia's activities. It is noted that investigations into Wagner's involvement in Africa have resulted in the deaths of independent journalists. The potential consequences for African countries heavily reliant on Russian support are discussed, highlighting the need for countries to focus on developing their own capabilities and reducing dependence on external actors.
Amid violent insurgencies, countries like Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso are turning away from their allies in the West, particularly France. they are following in the footsteps of the Central African Republic and getting closer with Russia and its Wagner mercenaries.
We look at what Russia has to gain in the region with the BBC's senior West Africa reporter Yemisi Adegoke, BBC Monitoring’s Vitaliy Shevchenko and our reporter in Abuja, Chris Ewokor.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory Your ideas, stories and experiences help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Richard Moran. The technical producers were Dafydd Evans and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.
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