Russia. Trends of the week.
Putin's "what for what" for post-colonial Africa.
The Russia-Africa forum and summit are more than a set of meetings between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leaders of the countries of the Black Continent and communications within the framework of economic councils, where emphasis can be placed and points of reference for the current situation in the world can be laid out. Moscow sincerely believes that the decolonization process, which began in 1960, is still ongoing, and Russia can and should act as a reliable partner for African countries moving on the path of independent development.
All international relations are based on the needs and capabilities of each of the parties entering into interstate communication. Russia's main need is to strengthen its influence on the world stage. For example, within the framework of new integration associations, which are the BRICS and the SCO. It is no coincidence that Putin spoke in detail about the competitive advantages of BRICS at the plenary meeting of the third economic and humanitarian forum "Russia - Africa", about "harmonious coexistence of different models of development, religions, civilizations and cultures" within the integration.
Another issue that Moscow is interested in is "supporting Russian initiatives at the UN and other international platforms," which Putin, in particular, said during a meeting with Assimi Guita, the transitional president of the Republic of Mali. It seems from the outside that Africa is not such a significant player in international relations. But there are two reasons for objection here. First, the Black Continent is quite related to the concept of the Global South. Second, with the support of Russian initiatives, it is possible to play the card of "anti-colonialism and anti-imperialism" in foreign information policy. In return, the Kremlin is willing to work with Africa in several areas.
One of the first issues is solving the food problem. Russia supplies grains and fertilizers along with other agricultural products.