Called to vote at the United Nations General Assembly for sanctions against Russia, African countries surprised many by not agreeing with the direction wanted by the international community.
Last Wednesday, the UN held a general assembly whose agenda was to vote for the adoption of a resolution against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. African countries were invited to this general assembly as well. And among these, 16 countries, including South Africa, voted neutral, 6 countries abstained from voting and Eritrea voted against. This made Eritrea an openly declared ally of Russia, in the same way as Belarus, North Korea and Syria.
These votes, which could be described as a sanction vote, clearly show the state of mind of Africa. The latter is resolutely determined to depart from Western policy. Since the beginning of this crisis, with the exception of a few isolated cases, African countries have not spoken out openly. However, the opposite attitude is observed in the West. Where, the majority of countries threaten to extend their sanctions, accuse Russia of war crimes, and claim to be able to sink the Russian economy. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has even suspended Russia from the next Football World Cup to be held at the end of the year in Qatar.
Amid this turmoil, Russia has found strong allies in Africa. This is particularly the case in South Africa. At the height of the Apartheid crises, Russia was always of tremendous help and support to the country of Nelson Mandela. Today, obviously, South Africa intends to be indebted to them. Lindiwe Zulu, South African Minister for Social Development said in an interview that: “Russia is our friend through and through. We are not about to betray this relationship that we have always had.” It is important to note that Lindiwe Zulu, during the times of Apartheid, was pursuing her studies in Russia.
Relations between Africa and Russia date back to the Cold War era. Several African leaders have forged economic, political and military partnerships with Russia. Some have become weapons customers of choice. On the first day of the conflict, a Sudanese leader traveled to Moscow where he was received by the Russian Foreign Minister. Morocco, though very often an ally of the United States, made a statement that was very much in line with Russia. This greatly displeased Washington. In Ethiopia, support for Russia is accentuated. Commemorating a 19th century battle against the Italians, the Russian flag flew in the air from Addis Ababa. During this battle, Russian soldiers valiantly fought alongside the Ethiopians. In Cameroon, in the streets of the economic capital Douala, motorcycle taxi drivers paraded with portraits of Russian President Vladimir Putin, giving him all their support.
In Uganda too, pro-Russian sentiment is accentuated. Lieutenant-General Muhoozi Kainerugaba who is no more and no less than the son of the current Ugandan Head of State Yoweri Museveni declared on the social network Twitter that: “The majority of humanity (which is not white) supports Russia’s position in Ukraine”. He didn’t stop there. He went on to tease the West a bit: “When the USSR stationed nuclear missiles in Cuba in 1962, the West was ready to blow the world up. Now, when NATO does the same thing, they expect Russia to do it differently. »
However, not all of Africa is in favor of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Indeed, 25 countries voted for sanctions against Russia. Especially Kenya and Ghana. An external conflict that is still creating divisions in Africa at a time when the continent needs more than in the past to be united.
