While the situation in Niger and the war in Ukraine are not directly linked, both are part of a broader global confrontation between East and West, and Russia is not ready to cede ground or influence.
Lost in the diplomatic and development debate is the sense of underlying debt crisis and commodity export over-reliance that have long plagued the larger neighbourhood.
Russia and Africa can work together to protect national sovereignty and put an end to colonialism, Russian President Vladimir Putin told African delegates at the 2023 Africa-Russia summit in St. Petersburg.
The African delegation’s visit to Ukraine on June 16 to promote peace was embroiled in controversy, while Kyiv met their proposal with a lukewarm response.
Explosions were heard across the city as Ukraine’s air-defence leapt into action. Six hypersonic Kinzahl missiles, six Kalibr cruise missiles and two drones were shot down.