By Frank Kamuntu
Russia has signed agreements for military cooperation with over 40 African countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday in St Petersburg.
“To strengthen the defence capabilities of the continent’s countries, we are developing partnerships in military and military-technical cooperation with more than 40 African states,” Putin said during the second and final day of the second Russia-Africa Summit.
Putin stated that African states received a wide range of weapons and technology, some for free.
“Some of these deliveries are provided on a gratuitous basis with the aim of enhancing the security and sovereignty of the countries,” Putin emphasized.
Representatives from African countries have been invited to actively participate in Russia-organized military forums dealing with the technical aspects of the weapons and also manoeuvers to become familiar with the equipment and its use.
Putin also announced on the Thursday that Russia would provide assistance to the countries in their efforts to free themselves from the “vestiges of colonialism.”
The Kremlin leader reiterated that Russia would continue to be a reliable supplier of grain to the continent’s countries.
Russia is also aiming to expand its presence in Africa by opening new consulates and embassies and increasing staff in existing diplomatic representations. The nation has a surplus of available personnel after around 600 Russian representatives were forced to leave Western countries amid tensions, partly due to EU states’ suspicions of espionage.
During the meetings with the African heads of state and governments at the conference, Putin sought to demonstrate that he is not internationally isolated. A summit declaration and a press conference are also planned for Friday.
According to the Kremlin, 49 out of 54 countries on the continent are represented with only 17 being heads of state or government, fewer than during the inaugural summit in 2019.
