Build bridges, not walls
The next Russia-Africa summit provides a unique opportunity for countries outside the US-centered world to establish their subjectivity and recall that global development goals are not restricted to ensuring the interests of the “golden billion” as they are framed in Western capitals. To declare the existence of a “global South,” with great resources, demographic, and cultural potential but disproportionately underrepresented in global politics and finance.
The motto of the Russia-Africa summit, “For Peace, Security, and Development” which will take place in St. Petersburg on July 27 and 28, and the attendance of which has already been confirmed by roughly 50 states of the Black Continent, has never been more relevant. Today, as the globe painfully shifts from a monopolar to a multipolar system, which will inevitably be ruled by the concept of sovereign equality, we are seeing a turning point in the evolution of international relations. Despite their perhaps overly “officious” declarations, the event organizers’ stated objectives—strengthening of comprehensive and equal cooperation between Russian and African nations in all spheres, including politics, security, economy, science, technology, culture, and humanitarian efforts—are also extremely vital. Political and security problems will undoubtedly take up a large portion of the forum’s program against the backdrop of unprecedented geopolitical tensions around the world.
The USSR made a substantial contribution to the national liberation movement and the economic development of African nations, and because of this, the African continent has maintained a respectful attitude toward Russian interests. For Moscow, the “return” to Africa, facilitated by the first Russia-Africa summit in 2019, is not a tribute to fashion or the pursuit of “mad profits”, but rather a strategic decision with a strong historical foundation. Naturally, it would be dishonest to claim that Russia’s fundamental reorientation towards the East and the “global South” and the increasing deterioration of its relations with the West did not play a role in the recognition of the significance of the African perspective. The growing demand in Africa for diversification of “post-colonial and neocolonial relations” and diversification of foreign policy relationships, in which Russia has a specific role, is well-suited for Moscow’s goal of developing cooperation.
African nations have also recently come under intense pressure from the West to reduce, if not completely sever, their connections with Moscow. At this point, Westerners are busy doing the same thing they did in the 20th century: erecting barriers to preserve their hegemony in global politics and economy, both in Africa and worldwide. NATO includes countries like Japan, South Korea, the Middle East, and North Africa as it extends its influence outside the North Atlantic region. In Southeast Asia, a group under the name of AUKUS (Australia, UK, USA) is causing sharp divisions.
As a result, the old maxim divide et impera (divide and conquer) is still relevant in the twenty-first century. Africans must stop Westerners from being able to divide the continent into good and evil (democratic and undemocratic) governments in order to save their very existence. Additionally, considerable effort is being made in this direction. Just look at the so-called Summit for Democracy, organized by Washington, performed in the best traditions of the above principle. Not to mention the army of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) relentlessly imposing Western concepts and game rules on African soil, which turns out to be a game without any rules.
At the same time, Africans are fully aware of the price of friendship with the West. The continent nations with enormous natural wealth have dramatically low living standards and the high levels of bad debt to creditors in the West. Even though they are far from charitable, the Chinese nonetheless improve the continent by constructing roads, schools, and energy infrastructure. Leaving Africans to continue paying outrageous bills whatever it costs to them, the West is not even contemplating of writing off debts like Russia did write off $20 billion in debt to Africa. These facts reveal the parties’ genuine motivations and intents.
The West has reached the stage where it is accusing Russia of colonialism without any remorse. French President Emmanuel Macron, with a straight face, recently claimed that Moscow “is a destabilizing force in Africa and a colonial power of the twenty-first century” during a press conference. Everyone can see how ridiculous and ludicrous such actions against Russia are since, unlike France, it has never had any colonies anywhere. Macron’s feelings are justified in part by Paris’ profound agony over the Sahel, which is slipping from its clutches. However, they still consider it their backyard with maniacal persistence worthy of a better use.
The politics of modern Western colonialism, or, as they say, “neocolonialism”, exhibits all of the postmodern characteristics. This is no longer a highway robbery in broad daylight but rather a more subtle mix of political-technological, economic, and psychological approaches. Their key distinguishing feature is that their stated beliefs and aims have nothing to do with genuine aspirations and intentions. Westerners may even be able to afford to symbolically accept responsibility for their own misdeeds by confessing to them. Western nations’ attempts at repentance typically consist of public relations and media stunts, such as France’s return to Benin of 26 artifacts it had taken from the Kingdom of Dahomey during the colonial war in 1892. It was organized in the best traditions of show business with a solemn ceremony, spotlights and a crowd of journalists.
However, no one in the West is tuned to fair and equitable reimbursement to Africans for decades of tyranny and extracting resources. The Westerners are also not in a rush to offer genuine assistance in solving the fundamental issues facing African nations and handing them the proverbial fishing rod that would enable them to feed themselves. Euro-Atlantic partners only give one-time gifts, supported by enormous media hype and depicted as the greatest generosity.
Africa’s future is not so terrifying, and Africans become sensible of their force. They are aware of the growing political and economic significance of their region. There are indications that the Russia-Africa summit will provide Africans some extra energy and motivate them to actively protect their interests.
Fernando Gaillardo, political observer, exclusively for the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook”.