Russia-Africa Summit lauds African leaders

Moscow buzzes with international activity as African leaders and government delegations converge for the third Russia-Africa Summit from October 28-29. Chairing the African Union, Evariste Ndayishimiye, leads a significant attendance of over 15 leaders, including presidents from Kenya, Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and the Comoros.

Roughly 48 countries are participating in the summit, which is set to produce a cooperation plan for 2027-2029 as well as agreements on trade, investment, and technological development.

Life in Moscow appears untroubled by the conflict with Ukraine, with the public transport system operating normally and night life running as usual. However, the summit is taking place as the possibility of a truce in the war appears imminent. Russian leaders are scheduled to hold trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi about mutual security guarantees with Ukraine and the United States.

The summit kicked off with discussions on mutual issues of interest, including economic partnerships, AI, agriculture, healthcare, and education. Subsequent sessions focused on energy, mining, and strategic cooperation through the BRICS financial vehicle. Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted an evening reception at the Kremlin for summit participants and held separate bilateral meetings with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou.

The summit follows a trend of African governments seeking a greater role in international affairs, such as the reform of the UN Security Council and the UN system. Africa aims to speak as one and align with strategic allies like Russia, pushing back against unilateralism and returning to the principles of multilateralism as outlined in the UN founding charter.