Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has praised African countries, including Uganda, for maintaining relations with Moscow despite Western pressure, saying the continent has demonstrated commitment to longstanding partnerships with Russia.
Speaking to participants at the Russia–Africa Media Forum in Moscow on October 27, Zakharova described African countries as independent and equal partners, citing historical ties dating back to the Soviet Union’s support for African independence movements.
“I have seen how, over these years, the African continent, truly sovereign and with its own pride and dignity, has said to everyone who tried to make Africa betray Russia, ‘We do not betray our friends,’” Zakharova said.
Her remarks come as Uganda, represented at the summit by Vice President Jessica Alupo, joins other African countries in engagements aimed at strengthening relations with Russia. The summit provides a platform for discussions on trade, investment, energy, education, security and other areas of cooperation.
Zakharova said Russia’s relations with African countries were based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and shared benefits, adding that Moscow continued to cooperate with the continent in industry, energy, education and agriculture.
She also criticised attempts by some international actors to restrict information exchange and cooperation between countries, arguing that such restrictions could deepen global inequality.
According to Zakharova, Russian media organisations, including TASS and Sputnik Africa, have expanded their operations across Africa, with Russian news broadcasting reaching more than 40 countries on the continent.
She said Russia’s media engagement extended beyond distributing news to include joint journalistic work and information exchange with African partners.
Zakharova further defended Russia’s historical record, claiming that the country had never been a colonial power or supported the slave trade. She urged African countries to strengthen agricultural cooperation to address food security challenges and make greater use of the continent’s agricultural potential.
She also condemned the United States’ longstanding embargo on Cuba, describing it as an unacceptable form of pressure against an entire population. Zakharova said Russia had consistently opposed the blockade at the United Nations General Assembly.
The Third Russia–Africa Summit is scheduled for October 28–29 in Moscow, bringing together African leaders and representatives to discuss political, economic and diplomatic cooperation with Russia.