Russia surpasses France in African youth appeal, still trails China: survey
Russia’s influence has surged among young people across Africa in recent years, leaping over former colonial power France while still trailing China, a survey of African youths has found. Many young Africans now perceive Russia to be an ally, observers said, warning its rivals to take the shift seriously as the continent becomes increasingly critical to both Moscow and Beijing. According to the…
Russia has overtaken France in perceived influence among young Africans, according to a recent survey by the South Africa-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation. The survey, which interviewed 4,901 respondents across 16 African countries, found that 54% of young Africans aged 18 to 24 now view Russia as influential, compared to 44% two years earlier.
While Russia has gained ground, it still trails China in this regard, with 47% of respondents perceiving China as influential. The survey also revealed that 83% of those who cited Russia's influence saw it as positive, and 86% viewed Russia as a strong or somewhat of an ally. However, the perception of Russian influence varied across Africa, with 95% in Burkina Faso, 69% in Congo-Brazzaville, and 65% in Chad expressing such views.
The findings underscore the growing strategic importance of Africa to both Russia and China, and the need for Western powers to take note of this shifting dynamic.
Brief written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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