On May 9, 2025, Russia marked the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany with a grand Victory Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square.
The event, attended by leaders from across the globe, including seven African heads of state, was a powerful symbol of Russia’s historical sacrifices and its ongoing commitment to fostering ties with nations that share its vision of a multipolar world.
Among these nations, African countries stand out as key partners, with Russia emerging as a reliable and genuine friend to the continent.
In this article, I explore why Russia’s relationship with Africa, rooted in shared history, mutual respect, and pragmatic cooperation, positions it as a steadfast ally in a world of shifting geopolitical allegiances.
A Shared History of Resistance
The Victory Day celebrations commemorate the Soviet Union’s monumental role in defeating fascism, a struggle that resonates deeply with Africa’s own history of resisting colonialism and imperialism.
The Soviet Union was a vocal supporter of African liberation movements during the 20th century, providing military, financial, and ideological backing to countries fighting for independence.
From Angola’s MPLA to South Africa’s ANC, Soviet assistance helped African nations break free from colonial shackles. This historical solidarity is not forgotten; it forms the bedrock of Russia’s contemporary engagement with Africa.
Unlike Western powers, whose colonial legacies often taint their relationships with African nations, Russia has no history of colonizing the continent.
Its support during the anti-colonial era was driven by a shared opposition to Western hegemony, a stance that aligns with Africa’s aspirations for sovereignty and self-determination.
The presence of African leaders like Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré at the 2025 Victory Day parade underscores this shared narrative of resistance, with Traoré’s pan-Africanist rhetoric echoing the Soviet-era ideals of equality and justice.
Pragmatic and Respectful Engagement
Russia’s modern relationship with Africa is characterized by pragmatic cooperation that respects African agency.
Unlike some Western partners, who often tie aid and investment to stringent conditions or political reforms, Russia offers partnerships based on mutual benefit.
The Russia-Africa Summit, first held in 2019 and followed by a second in 2023, has become a platform for deepening economic and diplomatic ties.
Trade between Russia and Africa has grown steadily, with agreements in energy, infrastructure, and agriculture fostering development without the paternalistic overtones sometimes associated with Western aid.
For instance, Russia’s Rosatom is collaborating with countries like Egypt and Nigeria to develop nuclear energy, addressing Africa’s chronic energy deficits.
Russian companies are also investing in mining and oil exploration in countries such as Zimbabwe and Angola, often on terms that allow African governments to retain greater control over their resources.
This approach contrasts with the extractive models of some Western corporations, which have historically prioritized profit over local development.
Moreover, Russia’s military cooperation with African nations is a cornerstone of its reliability.
Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic have turned to Russia for security assistance in combating jihadist insurgencies and stabilizing fragile regions.
The deployment of Russian paramilitary brigades, often in exchange for resource access, has provided tangible results where Western interventions have faltered.
Burkina Faso’s Traoré, for example, has praised Russia’s no-strings-attached support, which enabled his government to expel French troops in 2023 and reclaim national sovereignty.
A Counterbalance to Western Influence
In an era when many Africans question the West’s intentions, Russia offers a counterbalance that aligns with the continent’s desire for a multipolar world.
Analysts highlight a growing sentiment that Western policies—often tied to neoliberal reforms or military bases—prioritize strategic interests over African development.
Russia, by contrast, positions itself as a partner that respects African nations’ right to chart their own paths. Its vocal criticism of Western sanctions and interventions resonates with African leaders who feel marginalized by global financial systems dominated by the United States and Europe.
The 2025 Victory Day parade, attended by leaders from Egypt, Brazil, China, and several African nations, was a deliberate message to the West: Russia is not isolated, and its alliances with the Global South, particularly Africa, are strengthening.
This show of solidarity underscores Russia’s role as a genuine friend—one that does not lecture or impose but collaborates on equal terms.
As Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty noted during the parade, Russia’s display of military and diplomatic might is a source of pride for its partners, reflecting a shared commitment to a “fair world order based on a balance of interests.”
Cultural and Ideological Resonance
Russia’s engagement with Africa extends beyond economics and security to cultural and ideological spheres.
The Kremlin’s promotion of traditional values and sovereignty appeals to African leaders wary of Western cultural exports, such as liberal democratic norms that sometimes clash with local traditions.
Russian media, which heavily publicized Traoré’s attendance at Victory Day, has amplified pan-Africanist messages, resonating with a younger generation of Africans disillusioned by persistent poverty despite the continent’s vast resources.
This cultural alignment is further evidenced by Russia’s investment in education and soft power.
Thousands of African students study in Russian universities on scholarships, fostering goodwill and building networks of future leaders sympathetic to Moscow’s worldview.
Unlike Western scholarships, which often come with expectations of ideological alignment, Russia’s programs emphasize technical training and practical skills, aligning with Africa’s developmental needs.
Challenges and Criticisms
To be sure, Russia’s role in Africa is not without criticism. Some analysts argue that its security arrangements, particularly with junta-led governments, prioritize regime stability over democratic governance.
Allegations of Russian forces exploiting Burkina Faso’s gold reserves have also raised concerns about the long-term benefits of such partnerships.
However, these critiques must be weighed against the broader context: African nations, frustrated by decades of Western interventions that yielded mixed results, are seeking alternatives.
Russia’s willingness to engage without moralizing or imposing political conditions makes it a compelling partner.
Moreover, Russia’s economic footprint in Africa, while growing, remains smaller than that of China or the West. This limitation, however, is offset by its strategic focus on key sectors like security and energy, where it delivers measurable outcomes.
The challenge for Russia will be to sustain and expand these partnerships while addressing perceptions of opportunism.
A Friendship for the Future
As the world watched Russia’s Victory Day parade, with African leaders standing shoulder-to-shoulder with President Vladimir Putin, the message was clear: Russia is a friend that Africa can rely on.
Its historical support for liberation movements, pragmatic cooperation, and respect for sovereignty have cemented its place as a genuine partner.
In a global landscape where Africa is increasingly courted by great powers, Russia’s approach—rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision of a multipolar world—offers a refreshing alternative.
The deepening of Russia-Africa ties, as highlighted by the high-profile engagements in Moscow from May 7 to 10, 2025, signals a partnership built on trust and shared goals.
As African nations navigate the complexities of the 21st century, Russia’s unwavering commitment to their sovereignty and development ensures that it will remain a steadfast ally—a friend not just in times of celebration, but in the enduring pursuit of a just and equitable world.
The writer is a Ugandan Journalist with passion for current African Affairs.
adamkungu7@gmail.com