By NATION AFRICA More by this AuthorFollowing Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, the Kremlin has stepped up its efforts to actively woo African governments and business leaders away from 'Western interests' and into the Russian Federation’s camp, both politically and economically. The Kremlin's move comes alongside the Wagner Group's ongoing mercenary operations in several African states, mainly in the form of propping up governments against internal armed opposition in return for access to and exploitation of precious and rare metals and minerals, as well as gemstone deposits such as diamonds and rubies. Russia's stepped-up efforts to make real friends with more African states have intensified in the wake of Russia's 'Ukraine adventure', as it became increasingly clear to the Kremlin that the 'African lobby' among the 'non-aligned states' would be crucial in avoiding an even more severe curtailment of Russia's dwindling international influence. Vladimir Putin to skip eventAdvertisementUpcoming and top of that list are the Second Russia-Africa Summit, due to take place in St Petersburg's Expo Forum, on July 27-28, and next month’s heads of state summit of the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) bloc. The Brics meeting has avoided the spectre of Russian leader Vladimir Putin being arrested on arrival in host country South Africa, due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes, over the abduction to Russia of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children.

Source: Daily Nation July 20, 2023 12:25 UTC