Russian President Vladimir Putin says Africa will get military assistance which will help in suppressing jihadist and criminal terror across the continent
African nations are increasingly seeking security assistance from Russia, President Vladimir Putin has said.
Speaking to the press at the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi on Thursday, the president noted that Russia is willing to respond to these requests within the framework of international law.
“It’s very difficult to work in the economic sphere if conditions for ensuring security are not established,” Putin said, highlighting the security challenges in regions such as the Sahara-Sahel, where terrorist groups continue to operate, and several countries face political instability.
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech at the Valdai forum, November 7, 2024 © Kristina Kormilitsyna / Sputnik
Putin emphasized Russia’s commitment to supporting African nations, referencing a long-standing history of mutual trust between Russia and the continent.
“We have virtually no controversies with any African country, and the level of trust and mutual sympathy is very high,” he noted.
“In the history of our relations with the African continent, there has never been any shadow – never; we have never exploited African peoples, nor been engaged in anything inhumane on the African continent,” Russian leader stated.
On October 28, a South African delegation led by National Defense Force Commander General Rudzani Maphwanya met with Russian defense officials in Moscow to strengthen military cooperation. The two countries have ongoing projects, including joint development of military equipment and a service center for the repair of helicopters from Russia.
Earlier, during the Army-2024 forum in August, Russia held defense discussions with Burkina Faso and Niger to boost security in Central Africa.
Russia also signed a military cooperation agreement with Sao Tome and Principe in May, focusing on joint training and counterterrorism. In January, Equatorial Guinea formalized a similar agreement, allowing Russian instructors to train its military personnel.
Nigeria which has been fighting a decade long insurgency is yet to formalise any exclusive defence agreement with Moscow.
Source X/RT/AFP/ISW