Russian and African Parliamentarians Stand Against United States in Africa
By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
Russia and African parliamentarians continue forging solidarity against growing neo-colonial tendencies in Africa. The parliamentarians, far ahead of their symbolic gathering, have intensified political dialogue and declared support for Russia's war on neighbouring Ukraine, and further expressed readiness to support Africa's economic development.
Russia
has come under stringent economic sanctions from the United States and
Europe due to the 'special military operation' that it began since
February 2022, more than a year that has adversely affected Africa. It
has also divided Africa's voting at the United Nations, with some
experts arguing that such sharp divisions, in terms of voting either for
or against, abstaining or keeping neutral, could influence Africa's
unity in the continent.
Some
policy experts still expect high symbolism at the 2023 Russia-Africa
summit as official working visits have become more frequent and Africa
receives greater coverage in Russian media. The experts say, instead of
measuring the success of the summit by African leaders attendance, as
happened in 2019, the parties give greater attention to the substance of
the agenda, which is under development. Russia should try to increase
its presence in Africa while avoiding direct confrontation with other
non-regional and foreign players.
According
to the experts, Russia's efforts for now are not practically showing
tangible results. Russia has to open its doors more to African visitors
and tourists, these could bring together anyone interested in expanding
all-inclusive dialogue and anyone who is ready to help promote
initiatives possibly for increasing socio-economic development between
Russia and the African states and raise the well-being of their
citizens.
That
however, undeterred by the pressure from the United States 'to cancel
Russia' in their relationship, Africa parliamentarians have arrived in
Moscow for two-day working gathering to methodically develop
Russian-African relations in various fields. In addition, to the
political dialogue, they are also focusing on economic, cultural,
humanitarian and scientific cooperation.
According
to the plan, Russian parliamentarians and African colleagues fixed
topical issues of the international parliamentary agenda for
discussions: parliamentary support of scientific and educational
cooperation, legislative response to economic challenges, indivisible
security: capabilities and contributions of parliaments, and
neocolonialism of the West: how to prevent the repetition of history.
On
March 20, the main conference entitled "Russia-Africa in the multipolar
world” at the State Duma (the Pillar Hall of the House of the Unions).
More than 40 official parliamentary delegations from almost all African
countries already arrived for the conference. Representatives of the
scientific, educational and expert communities from Russia and African
countries, members of the State Duma, federal executive authorities,
senators of the Federation Council, chairmen of the legislative bodies
of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
There
was a bilateral meeting of the Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav
Volodin and Speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of South
Africa Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula at the State Duma. The Speaker stressed
that the Republic highly appreciated the dialogue with Russia.
Speaker
Volodin noted that attempts by Washington and Brussels to isolate
Africa and Russia have failed. He is convinced that the parliaments
could do a lot for further development of relations on the principles of
respect, non-interference in internal affairs of other states and
mutually beneficial cooperation.
He
stressed that relations between Russia and the Republic of South Africa
were developing with the help of cooperation between the presidents of
the two states. "We have great capabilities and we should use the
parliamentary dimension to do everything to enhance our cooperation in
various areas," added Volodin. He suggested preparing and signing a
relevant agreement between the State Duma and the National Assembly of
the Parliament of South Africa, as well as creating a high-level
commission. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula supported his suggestion.
Mapisa-Nqakula
thanked Vyacheslav Volodin for sending the invitation to take part in
the Parliamentary Conference, before adding "It is very important for us
that Russia gives priority to the African continent. Many countries
consider Africa as a great possibility to get African resources. But
taking into account the history of our cooperation, we, like many other
African countries, believe that Russia has other, more genuine interests
in Africa."
"Our
cooperation started decades ago. And we felt your support in the worst
times for us, during apartheid. We understand that now it is a difficult
time for Russia as a country. But I would like to assure you that South
Africa will continue cooperation, discuss areas of cooperation that are
important for us. We look forward to its start," said Nosiviwe
Mapisa-Nqakula.
The
speakers also discussed issues of cooperation within the framework of
the BRICS, as it is South Africa's chairmanship. "For us, the
cooperation between the parliaments within the BRICS framework is very
important, as we can discuss issues of common interest," emphasized the
Speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of South Africa.
"Our
Conference will be an important stage in the process of preparing for
the second Russia-Africa summit which is planned to be held in Saint
Petersburg this summer with participation of the heads of states,"
concluded the Chairman of the State Duma.
According
reports monitored by this author, there are 17 specialized working
groups that focus on various areas of cooperation between Russia and
Africa. The expectation is that these working would come up with useful
initiatives to be incorporated into an action plan 2023-2026 and further
cement the entire complex of relations between Russia and the African
countries.
Russian
President Vladimir Putin will speak at the Russia-Africa parliamentary
conference on Monday, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov told reporters. "On
March 20, when the president receives the Chinese leader, he will
address the 2nd parliamentary conference Russia-Africa," Ushakov, who
heads the organizing committee of the summit, said, adding that the
event would pave the way for the 2nd Russia-Africa summit, scheduled to
take place from July 27-28 in St. Petersburg, second largest city of
Russia.
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Russian and African Parliamentarians Stand Against United States in Africa
By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh Russia and African parliamentarians continue forging solidarity against growing neo-colonial tendencies in Africa. The parliamentarians, far ahead of their symbolic gathering, have intensified political dialo