Russia-Africa Relations: A Reflection on Historical Ties, Current Trends and Emerging Realities

Abstract

This work examined Africa-Russia Relations. Historical ties, current trends and Emerging realities. The work relied on secondary data and obtained bulk of tis data from existing literature and documents from Russia’s international Affairs council and Africa scholarly related materials. The study adopted qualitative research methods and analyzed the data gathered for the study, using thematic approach. The study first provides a brief historical background, and found that, historical ties provides sense of familiarity, with good economic, political, cultural and military relations between Africa and Russia. The study also found that, Russia seeks to use African platforms to strengthen and project Moscow global influence .However, the paradox is that Russia is offering better deals to Africa as alternatives to offers from the West. These deals comprise of aid and assistance which include military solf and hardwares. Indeed, it is not a demonstration of altruism as it is a strategy to increase influence in Africa and challenge the hegemony of the west in the region. Beside, Moscow has a low profile foreign policy in the region as it cultural value particularly Russia language is yet very popular in the region.