In order to help reduce Africa’s debt burden, the Russian government pledged more than US$90 million during the Second Summit of the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.
This aid is intended to support the continent in addressing its debt issues.
A significant portion of African countries’ debt issues with the East European giant has already been settled, with Moscow writing off their indebtedness amounting to US$23 billion.
In his address at the Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that African states continue to face challenges related to displays of colonialism, particularly in the economy.
“The main thing is that the Summit has again confirmed the firm resolve of both Russia and Africa to continue developing mutually beneficial partnerships and seeking new forms and areas.
“We appreciate this and are convinced of the successful future of Russia-Africa relations.
“They rest on the traditions of time-tested friendship, and historical experience of multifaceted productive interaction dating back to the early period in African states’ formation,” he noted.
The adoption of the St Petersburg Declaration emerged as one of the key highlights of the Summit.
Through this declaration, the participating parties have committed to creating a fair and democratic multi-polar world order based on the universally recognized principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.
Africa, with its 1.3 billion people and 54 nations, forming the largest voting bloc at the UN, has successfully convinced an increasing number of powers, including the United States (US), to organize such gatherings.
The Summit extensively discussed the prospects for further developing relations between Africa and Russia, with a specific focus on supporting the continent’s national sovereign development.
The primary objectives emphasized were ensuring equitable access to food, fertilizers, modern technologies, and energy resources, as highlighted by Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin Foreign Policy Advisor.
The growing role of Africa was acknowledged, and there was a rising demand for an African stance on global affairs.
Additionally, on the sidelines of the Summit, the 2023-2026 Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan was signed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and AU Director of Peace and Security Division of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, Mr. Siraj Tagesa Shurafa.
Comoros President and Chairman of the African Union, Mr. Azali Assouman, expressed his observations during a joint press conference, where he highlighted Russia’s consistent support to the continent during challenging times.
“It was one of the first countries to help with fighting colonialism, apartheid and slavery.
“So, for many centuries, we have had good relations, but this time we need a new impetus to the relationship to take it forward,” said Mr Assouman.
He expressed gratitude to Russia for committing to support Africa by providing training for professionals and supplying grain.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine political crisis, the AU Chair advocated for peace between the two countries, stating, “What we need is a ceasefire because war is always unpredictable. The longer it lasts, the more unpredictable it becomes.”
Numerous other African leaders also called for peaceful resolutions to the conflict.
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, emphasized the importance of negotiations, dialogue, and commitment to the UN Charter for achieving peaceful and fair resolutions to conflicts.
President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, emphasized the significance of the African initiative, urging an end to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
The African Union Commission Chairman, Moussa Faki Mahamat, stressed that the conflict is having a negative impact on the entire world, expressing concern over the grain supply issue. He emphasized the urgent need to resolve the problem of food shipments to countries in need.