Russia Expands Strategic Military and Security Cooperation Across Africa

 Moscow has signaled its intent to significantly deepen military and security partnerships with African nations, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its geopolitical footprint across the continent, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Monday.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing, Peskov emphasized that Russia's engagement with Africa would be "comprehensive," with a strong emphasis on expanding both economic ties and defense collaboration.

“We intend to comprehensively develop our interaction with African countries, focusing primarily on economic and investment interaction,” Peskov stated, according to state media outlet RIA Novosti. “This cooperation also extends to sensitive areas related to defense and security. In this regard, Russia will continue its engagement with African states.”

In recent years, Russia has increasingly positioned itself as a strategic ally to several African governments, offering military assistance, diplomatic support, and economic partnerships. The Kremlin has consistently underscored that enhancing ties with Africa is a top foreign policy priority, seeking to provide an alternative to traditional Western influence on the continent.

Countries such as Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic have notably intensified their security cooperation with Moscow. These nations, now under transitional or military leadership, have moved away from former colonial power France, accusing it of undermining their sovereignty and pursuing neocolonial agendas. In contrast, they have described Russia as a more dependable and respectful partner in matters of national defense.

Speaking at an Africa Day celebration in Moscow last month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to supporting African states in their pursuit of political and economic sovereignty. Lavrov criticized what he termed Western neocolonial practices and reaffirmed Russia’s position as a "reliable and steadfast" partner.

Beyond defense, Moscow is actively working to increase its diplomatic presence on the continent. New Russian embassies are slated to open in Comoros, Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan, alongside a Consulate General in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, as outlined in a decree signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in late May.

Economic and educational exchanges are also expanding. According to official figures, trade between Russia and African nations exceeded $27.7 billion in 2024, marking strong growth. Meanwhile, Russia continues to invest in education partnerships, with more than 32,000 African students currently enrolled in Russian universities. Lavrov has described education as a "key pillar" of bilateral cooperation, highlighting its role in long-term engagement and mutual development.

As Russia continues to face mounting isolation from Western powers, its assertive outreach to Africa underscores a deliberate strategy to forge new alliances and reinforce its influence on the global stage—particularly among nations eager for alternatives to traditional Western partnerships.