3 African countries could play host to Russian diplomatic missions

3 African countries could play host to Russian diplomatic missions, Sergei Guneyev/Pool/AFP via Getty Images ©provided by Business Insider Africa

Russia is considering opening diplomatic missions in a few African nations. For the past few years, Russia has been looking to grow its influence in Africa. To which it has launched several initiatives and programs. In the country’s latest move to win over the “Mother Continent,” Russia has selected 3 African countries to launch diplomatic outposts.

・Russia to open diplomatic missions in South Sudan, Niger, and Sierra Leone.

・Recent embassy reopening in Burkina Faso signals renewed Russian interest.

・Moscow’s House of Africa serves as a hub for Russian-African relations.

A report by the Russian news publication Sputnik revealed that Russia plans to open diplomatic missions in a few African countries. This information was relayed to Russian media by Aleksey Klimov, the head of the Consular Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The three countries on Russia’s radar regarding this plan include South Sudan, Niger and Sierra Leone.

“Activities aimed at increasing the representation of Russian diplomacy and expanding the consular presence in friendly countries are being carried out on an ongoing basis. The possibility of opening diplomatic missions in South Sudan, Niger, and Sierra Leone in the perspective is being analyzed,” the diplomat noted.

He added that a similar mission to open embassies in Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea has already been taken and agreed upon with the authorities in the host nations. Other non-African countries in this boat, according to the report include Armenia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Maldives.

Late last year, Russia decided to reopen its embassy in Burkina Fasoafter its 32-year absence in the country. This was confirmed by the Burkina Faso’s government and a Russian envoy.

Following the Cold War’s conclusion, Russia’s lack of interest in the country led to the closure of the embassy in 1992.

The most recent meeting of military authorities from Burkina Faso and Russia took place in Moscow in November of last year, when Burkina Faso’s defense minister, Col. Kassoum Coulibaly, met with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu.

Very recently, the Russian capital, Moscow inaugurated the House of Africa, Russia’s central platform for diplomatic, business, and cultural activities aimed at developing Russian-African relations.

The House of Africa is intended for Russian round table sessions, forums, and large meetings with delegations from Africa. The director also disclosed that Russian businesses interested in Africa will be able to obtain essential information from the center.