Russia-Africa military partnership and its implications

The recent signing of agreements on anti-terrorism military-technical cooperation between Russia and 33 African countries portends a good omen for a continent ravaged by internecine wars and ethnic-religious conflicts. Africa surely needs all the help it can muster to bring sanity and normalcy in its geo-polity. But Africa must be cautious not to turn herself into a willing pawn in the international struggle for supremacy among leading world countries.

Ultimately, terrorism and other strife will persist in Africa until African leaders take full charge and responsibility for their affairs. No country or organisation is likely to make supreme sacrifices to rid Africa of conflicts and terror, unless such sacrifices are geared towards an ulterior motive of such countries, and with serious collateral compromise of African countries and the continent.

In a combined and renewed effort to tackle terrorism and other criminal activities in Africa, Russia and 33 African countries have recently signed agreements on military-technical cooperation. Given that terrorism poses a threat to global security and stability, these agreements focus on combating terrorism, providing training, sharing intelligence, and addressing regional security issues as a path to peace and stability in Africa and the world.

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has offered what he described as “total support” for Africa, particularly in the struggle against terrorism and extremism. Hopefully, these efforts will assist in combating terrorism and criminal activities in African countries.

These collaborations are part of broader Russia-Africa initiatives aimed at strengthening ties in various sectors such as trade, education, and infrastructure development. Although the full list of the 33 countries that have signed military agreements with Russia has not been publicly disclosed, countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic are confirmed participants. This is due to their ongoing partnerships with Russia, particularly through military-technical cooperation and the presence of private military groups such as Wagner in their regions.

While Nigeria is not confirmed as a beneficiary of this agreement, she maintains diplomatic and trade relations with Russia, but has not pursued extensive military agreements like other African nations, such as Mali, the Central African Republic, or Sudan. Instead, Nigeria has historically established military cooperation with China and Western nations, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, receiving arms, training, and intelligence support.

As a leader within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigeria is understandably cautious about aligning with Russia, especially as countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, which are close to Russia, have clashed with ECOWAS policies.

The military-technical cooperation between Russia and the 33 African countries is commendable. Sharing military experience, information management, and joint action to prevent terrorist attacks and combat the financing of terrorism in Africa is a minimum that Africa needs, given the extensive damage that banditry and terrorism have inflicted on the continent.

However, African countries should not allow the military-technical cooperation to be tied to neo-colonialist conditions or used to exploit African nations or promote Russia’s political and economic interests in Africa. Russia’s growing military engagement in Africa is part of its broader strategy to reestablish influence on the continent, often as a counterbalance to Western powers like the United States, France, and the European Union. Military-technical cooperation should not be a ploy to counterbalance the influence of the United States, France, and the European Union in Africa, especially to the detriment of African nations.

These military agreements will enable African countries to access affordable arms and ammunition. Russia provides relatively low-cost military equipment, making advanced weaponry accessible to cash-strapped governments. Such military cooperation will enable African military forces to benefit from Russian training programmes, thereby improving their operational capabilities.
Military partnerships with Russia allow African countries to diversify their alliances, reducing over-reliance on Western nations. In conflict zones, Russian private military companies (PMCs) and advisors provide immediate security solutions, often helping governments maintain power.

In the Central African Republic (CAR), Russian support has been pivotal in propping up the government against rebel forces. Russian PMCs provide security for the regime while securing access to resources like diamonds. In Sudan and Chad, Russia’s presence counterbalances Western-backed initiatives, potentially altering the regional balance of power. Russia has also provided military assistance to Mozambique in its fight against ISIS-linked insurgents in Cabo Delgado Province of Mozambique. However, initial Russian efforts in Mozambique faced criticism for poor execution, leading the country to diversify its security partnerships.

While South Africa has been less directly involved in military agreements, its partnership with Russia through the BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) has influenced its broader stance on global issues, including its non-alignment in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russian PMCs have played a role in Libya’s ongoing conflict, supporting factions like General Haftar’s Libyan National Army. This exacerbates divisions but secures Russian influence in the oil-rich region.

Algeria, a key Russian arms customer, continues to benefit from advanced weaponry, solidifying its regional military dominance. Egypt has balanced its ties with the West and Russia, leveraging its agreements to strengthen its military and diversify its sources of arms. For Eritrea, aligning with Russia offers an alternative to Western pressure, particularly regarding human rights.

In West Africa, the increasing alignment of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger with Russia is shifting the regional balance of power. This could impact Nigeria, particularly in its fight against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups. If these neighbouring countries adopt Russian-style military strategies or deploy Russian PMCs, Nigeria may need to adjust its security coordination mechanisms.

However, the long-term military cooperation between Russia and 33 African countries could create dependence on Russian military support, potentially undermining the sovereignty and autonomy of African nations. Such agreements might strain national budgets, especially in African countries already burdened by debt. These deals often prioritise Russian interests, such as securing resources, over the development needs of African nations. Resource extraction from these countries will bolster Russia’s economy, granting access to valuable African resources such as gold, oil, and diamonds, which Russia could exploit to its advantage.

While Russian agreements aim to stabilise regimes, they often intensify competition between global powers, potentially exacerbating regional instability. All said, Nigeria should explore military agreements with Russia to diversify her defence partnerships, gaining access to Russian arms, technology, and training. Such collaboration could enhance Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, especially in the northeast, where it faces long-standing insurgencies.
Although the agreements between Russia and 33 African countries may not directly involve Nigeria, they could significantly shape the region’s security, political, and economic dynamics, potentially benefiting Nigeria.

Therefore, Nigeria should carefully navigate this evolving landscape, balancing its interests while protecting its sovereignty and regional leadership role.