During the Cold War Russia was seeking to find a way to counter the influence of its rivals such as the US. So, it had began to develop diplomatic relations with its African counterparts. After some intermission during the 1990s, Russian-African relations have started to flourish when Putin came to power in 1999.
While the US’s ultimate aim is to tip the regional balance of power in its favour and have access to Africa’s resources, Moscow is now countering America’s influence in the continent by gaining control of natural resources and providing military support and intelligence.
For many African countries Russia can offer a strategic alternative to political and economic great powers as well as former colonial masters – said Prof. János Besenyő, Head of Africa Research Institute.
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