Latest news with #Russia-Africa

IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Exploring BRICS' role in addressing global challenges and fostering dialogue
The Valdai Discussion Club in partnership with the South African Institute of International Affairs hosts the 3rd Russian-African Conference in Pretoria titled: 'Realpolitik in a Divided World: Rethinking Russia-South Africa Ties in a Global and African Context'. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The role of BRICS in the world has been hailed as a positive force driving dialogue and creating strategic conditions for development, rather than opposing any particular nation, including the US. This message was delivered at the Russia-Africa conference, co-hosted by the Valdai Discussion Club and the South African Institute of International Affairs in Pretoria. The conference, titled 'Realpolitik Responses in a Fractured World: Rethinking Russia-South Africa Ties in Global and African Context', brought together top government officials and academics to share their perspectives on 'G20 and BRICS: Assessing Strategic Roles in an Evolving Global Order'. Dmitry Birichevsky, director of the Department of Economic Cooperation at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the BRICS leadership cycle in the G20 has coincided with a strengthening of its economic positions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'The mounting influence of BRICS has asserted itself as a centre for growth, innovation and one of the main pillars of a new and more just world order,' he said. He added that BRICS' principles of consensus, equality, and mutual consideration of each other's interests resonate with the growing number of countries in the Global South. Key issues on the BRICS agenda include making economic governance more democratic and bridging the digital and ecological divide between the Global North and the Global South. Birichevsky reiterated Russia's support for the South African presidency, saying it has predictably placed G20 emphasis on the African agenda amid the alarming development in the global economy. Philani Mthembu, executive director of the Institute for Global Dialogue, noted that the recent presidencies of BRICS and G20 have coincided with a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, which has heightened the focus on these forums. He stressed that the low level of participation or absence of the US should not be the only thing on their radar. 'The participation of the US will not make or break South Africa's G20 presidency. The US must be seen in a broader context where the US is pursuing what it views as America first,' he said. Mthembu added that BRICS should aim to reform international institutions from within while also applying external pressure. Elena Maslova, associate professor at MGIMO University's Department of Integration Studies, recommended that BRICS delve into issues such as climate change. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers Elena Maslova, associate professor at MGIMO University's Department of Integration Studies, suggested that BRICS should explore topics such as climate change, highlighting the declaration on climate finance as a significant step forward. 'BRICS is gradually becoming a key platform for climate dialogue as well. BRICS should strive to create its single space for climate finance implementation to make it possible to reduce emissions,' she said. Maslova emphasised that BRICS is not a confrontational tool, but rather a valuable platform for tackling global challenges. Nourhan ElSheikh, professor of International Relations at Cairo University, stated that the Global South's influence has surged over the past decade, largely due to BRICS and G20, which are driving forces behind the emerging new world order. 'The Global South matters a lot not only for competition among colonial powers but also as a global player in international politics,' she said. ElSheikh remarked that the Global South has matured to the point where it can identify its own interests, rather than automatically aligning with the US, which is still trying to maintain its global dominance. 'Now we have the Global South saying 'no' and that this is not in our favour or interest and we have the right to choose our way,' she said. Cape Times

IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
How Russia's historical ties are fading in southern Africa
The Valdai Discussion Club in partnership with the South African Institute of International Affairs hosts the 3rd Russian-African Conference in Pretoria titled: 'Realpolitik in a Divided World: Rethinking Russia-South Africa Ties in a Global and African Context'. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers Russia's influence in southern Africa is facing a significant challenge as the region's historical memory of the Soviet Union's role in liberation movements begins to fade. Lwazi Somya, manager of research and development at the Southern African Liaison Office, made this observation during the Russia-Africa conference co-hosted by the Valdai Discussion Club and the South African Institute of International Affairs in Pretoria. He warned that the decline in electoral support for former liberation movements in southern Africa could signal a loss of historical memory in Russia's relations with African countries, potentially eroding the soft power gained during the Soviet Union era. "Russia has to engage with the decline of support to former liberation movements within southern Africa in terms of electoral support," he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Somya cited the recent meeting of southern African liberation movements, where Russia was mentioned only once in the declaration, as evidence of the diminishing influence. He also pointed out that Russia's trade relations with South Africa are relatively low, ranking 46th as an export partner and 39th as a source of imports. "The ideological dilution of governance within southern Africa" and the emergence of a new generation without attachment to the liberation history are further challenges for Russia, Somya said. "Young people are forgetting the historical role Russia played, and therefore those historic memory connections Russia has predicated on and relied on in terms of soft power are declining," he added. Godwin Gonde, a lecturer at the Dr Salim Ahmed Salim Centre for Foreign Regions in Tanzania, noted that Russian-African relations have evolved, spanning pre-colonial, liberation Struggle, Cold War, and post-Cold War eras. However, he emphasised that the current generation often lacks knowledge of this history, and that Russia's re-engagement with Africa is taking place in a vastly different context. "The future generation will no longer have the same historical context and good notion of relations," Gonde said, highlighting the importance of learning from past experiences to move forward as global partners. He added that Russia's renewed engagement with Africa comes at a time when the continent is struggling to find its footing in a rapidly changing world. Munyaradzi Nyakudya, chairperson of the Department of Peace, Security and Society at the University of Zimbabwe, praised the Russians for their trade cooperation investments made in his country. "I think they are doing a lot in terms of trying to get into mining and energy. We have seen some cultural exchanges. We have seen quite a number in terms of the scholarships and education exchanges," he said. However, Nyakudya noted that despite significant developments on the ground, the visibility of Russia's presence in Zimbabwe is lacking, and the relationship between the two countries has faced criticism for being elitist. He bemoaned the fact that the benefits of the partnership are not trickling down to the grassroots level, where the country's resources are being exported as raw materials.


Al-Ahram Weekly
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Russia seeks expanding traditional, friendly relations with African partners: Putin - Africa
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated Moscow's commitment to strengthening its 'traditional friendly relations' with African nations, highlighting the importance of cooperation amid ongoing global challenges. Speaking on Africa Day, which falls on 25 May, Putin pointed to the Russia-Africa summits held in 2019 and 2023 as milestones that shaped new directions for bilateral cooperation and international coordination. Africa Day, which marks the day the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was founded in 1963, is observed across the continent and globally to commemorate African unity and liberation struggles. The African Union (AU) replaced the OAU on 25 May 2002. 'This year marks significant anniversaries — including 80 years since the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations, as well as 65 years since the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples,' Putin said in a statement. 'The defeat of Nazism and the collapse of colonialism were pivotal moments that allowed for the peaceful development of all humanity.' He praised African countries for their growing influence on the global stage, citing achievements in economic and social development and the role of regional organizations like the African Union in promoting stability. Looking ahead, Putin confirmed that the next Russia-Africa Summit, to be held later this year in an African nation, will continue the partnership dialogue begun in previous summits. 'I am confident that through joint efforts, we will continue to deepen these multifaceted ties, benefiting our peoples and advancing a multipolar world order based on justice and democracy,' he added. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


First Post
30-04-2025
- Health
- First Post
Russia Planned to Send Expired COVID-19 Vaccines to Africa: Report Firstpost Africa
Russia Planned to Send Expired COVID-19 Vaccines to Africa: Report | Firstpost Africa | N18G Russia Planned to Send Expired COVID-19 Vaccines to Africa: Report | Firstpost Africa | N18G Newly leaked documents reveal a shocking plan by top Russian officials to send millions of expired COVID vaccines to Africa, disguised as humanitarian aid. The goal? To outpace U.S. influence during the 2022 Russia-Africa summit. The plot involved extending the shelf life of 6 million Sputnik Light doses without scientific backing. As the global vaccine race turns political, Africa once again becomes a battleground for foreign power plays. Watch this video to learn more. See More


Russia Today
24-04-2025
- Health
- Russia Today
Russia launches first epidemic response drills in Africa
Russia's health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, has collaborated with Ethiopia's Health Ministry to conduct simulation drills for rapid response to sanitary and epidemiological emergencies in Africa as part of efforts to enhance the continent's epidemic readiness. The inaugural Russian-African International Exercises for Rapid Response Teams began in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, on Wednesday, Rospotrebnadzor announced in a press release. The agency said medical experts and public health officials from 15 African nations, Russia, and global organizations are taking part in the exercises for hands-on training in managing disease outbreaks. According to the statement, Russian specialists will teach the principles of team formation, resource mobilization, epidemiological investigation, and international coordination skills using mobile laboratories that Moscow supplied to Addis Ababa. In an opening speech read on his behalf, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow's commitment to strengthening health partnerships with African countries, stating that the Ethiopia initiative 'undoubtedly takes our cooperation to a qualitatively new level.' 'The Russian Federation attaches great importance to the development of international cooperation to counter the threat of dangerous infectious diseases. African states have traditionally been important partners for us in this area,' Putin said. He noted that since the second Russia-Africa summit in July 2023, Moscow has launched a large-scale program to help African states in combating outbreaks. 'In less than two years, more than 150 African specialists have already been trained within the framework of this program, joint research is being conducted to study dozens of dangerous infections, and six mobile laboratories have been delivered to African countries,' Putin said. The program in Addis Ababa is the latest outcome of the Russia-Africa Summit, where both sides agreed to expand cooperation in various fields, including health. Rospotrebnadzor has since ramped up its activities. Russia donated a mobile laboratory to the Republic of the Congo in February, following an agreement between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso last year to establish a joint laboratory for infectious disease prevention. Russia has also provided assistance to Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, DR Congo, Guinea, and Ethiopia in response to the mpox outbreak, which was declared a sanitary and epidemiological emergency last year. During recent talks with the deputy director general of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Raji Tajudin, in Ethiopia, Rospotrebnadzor chief Anna Popova classified Africa as one of the regions most vulnerable to infectious disease risks.