While Russia is isolated in the West for waging a war in Ukraine, the red carpet was laid out for Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during his four-nation tour of Africa. Lavrov’s visit showed that Russia still had the diplomatic muscle to challenge the West for the hearts and minds of African governments, as he visited Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda and Congo-Brazzaville. For Lavrov, the visit was important to counter claims that Russia is “exporting hunger” to Africa. About 80% of its wheat imports come from Russia and Ukraine, and a third of its foreign tourists are Russian. Traditionally, Moscow’s trade with Africa has focused on defence – from the sale of automatic rifles to fighter jets.

Source: Daily Nation July 29, 2022 06:47 UTC