The revitalization of Russia’s involvement with African nations has become an important area of discourse in global politics, as well as within Africa itself. Russia is now expanding its military and economic collaborations with African countries, even some who were formerly aligned with the West. These countries have recently become partners of Russia. Russia’s foreign policy priorities revolve around obtaining significant global influence, acquiring natural resources, and maintaining a balance of power with major powers such as the United States and China in Africa. However, the rivalry between Russia and the US, as well as their presence in Africa, is an important concern. Therefore, Russia’s increasing involvement in Africa presents both possibilities and risks for the continent.
The Central African Republic, located in the heart of Africa, is a landlocked country with abundant natural resources and serves as a connection between North Africa and Central Africa, as well as West Africa, the Horn of Africa, and East Africa. Despite its strategic position, Central Africa has not seen the same benefits as other African nations due to its geographical position. The country is a hub for the transportation of illegal weapons and drugs between East and West Africa, and vice versa. The zero-sum and strongman politics in Africa have led to a lethal internal conflict, compromising the nation’s stability. Additionally, the country is plagued by extreme poverty, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty threshold due to limited employment opportunities.
The Central African Republic (CAR) is facing a perilous situation due to the excessive exploitation of resources by foreign entities. The use of Wagner PMC is increasing in popularity, but several countries have reservations about its operations. The CAR shares its north-eastern border with Sudan, which is experiencing repercussions due to the ongoing chaos in Sudan. The instability of CAR and its larger, more populous neighbour increase its vulnerability. To ensure stability, the government and people of CAR must demonstrate a strong commitment to achieving stability, with hope originating within the country. The instability of CAR and its neighbouring countries, Chad, South Sudan, and the DRC, underscores the need for a strong commitment to stability. Politically, militarily, and economically, Russia has been extending its influence in a number of African nations, including the DRC. The finalisation of a military and technical cooperation agreement between Russia and the DRC in 2018 demonstrates the expansion of their collaboration.
This agreement includes the provision of weapons, advisory missions, and military training. Russia intends to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in its efforts to combat armed groups in the eastern region and has shown a desire to enhance military collaboration. The presence of Russian diplomat Viktor Tokmakovin in Kinshasa and the ongoing high-level discussions between Russian officials and Congolese government representatives indicate a strengthening of relations.
Things changed when the DRC’s M23 (“March 23” Rebel group) insurrection revival in March 2022 caused a humanitarian disaster in the North Kivu region, displacing nearly 450,000 people. Rwanda supported the rebels, but the rest of the world did not condemn them. This made the Congolese people feel like the West was ignoring them. Anti-Western sentiment was fostered by the 2008 UN notice regime for arms deliveries to the DRC, which was weakened in 2022. Many Congolese officials saw it as an infringement on sovereignty and an impediment to procuring arms to fight the M23. The government was seen as a Western weapon for controlling the DRC. Protests against the UN peacekeeping force (MONUSCO) for failing to solve security issues fuelled anti-Western sentiment. Congolese hostility towards Western organisations increased when the EU funded the Rwandan Defence Forces despite suspicions of M23 assistance. Russia’s message against Western dominance resonated with many DRC residents, who saw Russia as a less demanding partner. Russia refrained from voting on the UN Security Council notification regime resolution but did not oppose it.
Anti-Western sentiment in the DRC has grown due to alleged Western involvement, inadequate peacekeeping, and assistance for regional entities accused of stoking violence, with Russia portraying itself as an alternative ally. On March 5th, the Russian government approved a draft military collaboration agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), despite the DRC’s initial concerns regarding potential threats to its sovereignty and security. This agreement encompasses collaborative military exercises, naval visits, combat aircraft missions, and training endeavours. Russia’s growing strategic interests in Africa have resulted in a strengthening of connections with the DRC, which could impact the security dynamics in Central Africa. Nevertheless, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) maintains a cautious approach to its relations with Russia, primarily due to concerns about potential geopolitical consequences. Russia is expected to enhance its formal relations with the DRC in the upcoming year, although the DRC’s concerns about its relationship with Russia may continue.
In the near future, Russia may seek to undermine the influence of the United States and Europe in Central Africa. Russia, especially in the DRC, is the biggest concern for the West, as is China, which is the biggest trading partner. However, Beijing and Moscow appear to have evolved a “modus vivendi,” where their relationship is marked by a lack of mutual trust and conflicting interests. During the Cold War, the leadership of the DRC was anti-Communist and allied with the United States. Western aid was primarily motivated by Mobutu Sese Seko’s opposition to the Soviet Union; in its absence, there would have been no reason for providing support to him. A demand was raised by Western nations for the implementation of democratic governance and the improvement of human rights. Currently, Russia is offering a robust option to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for addressing conflicts and emergencies. Although the DRC is open to Russia’s assistance, it still has concerns regarding the potential consequences.
Author: Dr. Kshipra Vasudeo is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at University of Mumbai.
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