Russia, China piggyback BRICS for Great Game in Africa
By Manish Anand
New Delhi, August 24: If Russia and England were engaged in a fierce Great Game in the Central Asian region in the 19th century, Africa appears to be setting out to host the strategic competition by Moscow and Beijing on one side and the western powers on the other side. Often said to have the repositories to run the growth engine of the world economy, Africa is already high on the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as Russian armed mercenaries stilting scales in civil wars in several countries in the continent.
“Today, BRICS’ attention is primarily focussed on Africa, which makes Russia happy. We met with many of you recently in St. Petersburg at the Africa-Russia summit. We are ready to do our best to prevent a humanitarian and food crisis in Africa. In this context, we will already send 35 to 50 thousand tonnes of grain for free,” remarked Russian President Vladimir Putin during BRICS-Africa session.
While France was stunned at the turn of events in Niger, Russia-China push in the continent is seemingly seeking a check on the presence of the western powers, particularly the US, in Africa. The continent is full of minerals and resources, which are crucial to fire the economies of the world. The European powers are facing the heat in Africa as they gradually lose their hold in erstwhile colonies.
The void left by the European countries has been speedily filled by China, while India has also made deep friendships with several countries, while counting on the past relations. Egypt, which has been approved for inclusion in BRICS, is India’s foremost strategic partner in Africa. But China has taken lead by miles by building highways, railways, and other key infrastructure. Yet, India is seen with trust by some of the African countries for New Delhi not trapping them in debt on the lines of Beijing.
“The Americans have already shown their desire for hegemony on the example of African countries. For example, they highlight Russia and China as the main obstacles to the development of African countries. When a part of society saw that the system based on cooperation with the West benefits only those in power, but not the whole system, then there is a rebellion, as happened in several African countries, as well as in Niger,” remarked Sergey Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister during his remarks at the BRICS-Africa conclave.
Russia and China lent their voices to “African solutions to African problems” call amid the raging civil war in parts of the continent.
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