Updated: February 28, 2021
Russia’s president Vladimir Putin on Monday October 21 said his country will offer help to African states without political conditions unlike the over-exploitative West.
In an interview with state TV, ahead of Russia-Africa summit to hold in Moscow, Vladimir Putin reiterated his desires to consolidate multi-lateral relations with African states especially in the domains of peace, security and development.
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Saying, unlike other Western states who often hide behind aid and financial support to achieve political gains, Russia will seek to assist Africa find solutions to its problems.
The Kremlin said it expects 47 African leaders to converge on the Black Sea city of Sochi for the October 23-24 event in Moscow’s first Russia-Africa summit, an ambitious push for influence and business in Africa.
Putin on Monday gave the clearest idea yet of his pitch to African countries, warning of rising competition over Africa and accusing the West of intimidating African countries to exploit their resources.
“We see how an array of Western countries are resorting to pressure, intimidation and blackmail of sovereign African governments,” Putin said.
Though he didn’t name any specific country, his aim was clearly directed at former colonial powers.
“They are using such methods to try to return lost influence and dominance in their former colonies in a new guise and rushing to pump out maximum profits and to exploit the continent,” he said.
By contrast, Putin said Russia was ready to offer help without “political or other conditions” and to embrace the principle of African solutions for African problems.
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