The Africa Policy of Russia

Russia's return to Africa: a comparative study of Egypt, Algeria and Morocco

“…No less importantly, by signing the deal, Russia pledged to write off Algeria's external debt to Russia ( Kommersant 11.2.2008). Following the visit, additional agreements in the gas and oil industry were signed between the Russian state company Gazprom and the Algerian state company Sonatrach, confirming the hypothesis that Russia aims to influence projects of oil and gas supplies to the EU on the African continent, in order to prevent the EU from lowering its dependence on Russian energy supplies (Besenyő 2019). To confirm the rising importance of the mutual relationship, another Russian presidential visit to Algeria occurred in 2010 when President Medvedev paid a visit to his Algerian counterpart, following the visit of President Bouteflika to Moscow two years before.…”

“…And last but not least, the recently deepening disagreement with Europe over many issues has created a space for Russia to search for ways to exert pressure on Europe. North Africa as one of the important suppliers of gas and oil to Europe may play a crucial role in this regard (Besenyő 2019).…”

“…And interestingly, Africa has re-emerged as a significant trade partner for Russia. As Besenyő (2019) argues, the defence industry has a special and very successful status within the current economic cooperation of Russia with Africa. Russia has recently become the largest arms supplier to Africa, accounting for 35% of arms exports to the region, followed by China (17%), the USA (9.6%) and France (6.9%).…”

“…According to it, Russia aims to remain the leading player in the world hydrocarbon, electricity and coal markets, while strengthening its position in the world nuclear energy industry (ME 2010). Regarding Africa, the Russian leadership considers it important to have access to African oil and gas fields, mostly with the aim of influencing projects representing the EU's alternative supply sources, which would subsequently lower its dependency on Russia (Besenyő 2019). Most notably, this applies to North Africa and Algeria in particular (see below).…”

“…But unlike the European powers, Russia has never colonised African territories. During the Soviet era, its presence was strong both economically and politically (see Besenyő 2019 for details). However, after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the internal turmoil that the country went through, both in terms of political and economic development, Russia has recorded years of long distance from the continent.…”