AS the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues in Eastern Europe, another war is being fought far away in Africa – a diplomatic battle for the support of African nations. Both Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers embarked on tours of the continent this week, seeking to secure allies and influence African countries’ positions on the global stage.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made a surprise visit to Kenya, while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba concluded his trip to Nigeria, which included stops in Mozambique, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. Lavrov’s visit marked his fourth to Africa since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict in 2021, while Kuleba was making his second trip to the continent.
The conflict in Ukraine has drawn clear battle lines globally, with Western nations siding firmly with Ukraine, offering various forms of support. In contrast, Russia has fewer outright supporters but many nations that have chosen a neutral stance, particularly in Africa.
Analysts in Africa recognise the motive behind the growing outreach from both Moscow and Kyiv. Dirk Kotze, a political science professor at the University of South Africa, explains that the visits are primarily aimed at gaining diplomatic support from African nations for future votes at the United Nations. Many African countries abstained from last year’s UN General Assembly vote condemning Russia’s war on Ukraine, citing their non-aligned foreign policies.
Ukraine is determined to change the voting dynamics and seeks greater recognition from African nations. Kuleba stressed during his recent tour that neutrality is not a satisfactory response and emphasised Ukraine’s commitment to uplift Africa. He announced the establishment of an embassy in Mozambique, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. Ukraine aims to strengthen its ties with African nations and has plans to hold the first Ukraine-Africa Summit.
Mametlwe Sebei, head of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa, believes that both Russia and Ukraine are vying for African support not only at the UN but also for economic interests. He highlights that Africa is seen as a potential source of raw materials for upcoming green energy industries, in addition to being a consumer market. Sebei also suggests that Western powers are leveraging the Ukraine conflict to counter China’s growing influence in Africa.
Kuleba explicitly addressed this during his speech in Ethiopia, stating that supporting Ukraine does not equate to being pro-Western or anti-Western. The Ukrainian foreign minister emphasised the intensification of political dialogue and the development of Ukraine’s first African strategy. However, it is acknowledged that Ukraine has much ground to cover in Africa compared to Russia, which has had longstanding relationships with African nations, including selling weapons and supporting countries during their struggles against colonialism.
The battle for African support between Russia and Ukraine is playing out on the diplomatic stage, highlighting the significance of African nations’ positions and votes on global issues.
