Russia follows old path in new scramble for a piece of the continent
Russian President Vladimir Putin (centre) chairs a meeting in his residence outside the Moscow on October 16, 2019. Russia will host the inaugural Russia–Africa Economic Forum on October 23 and 24. PHOTO | ALEXEI DRUZHININ | SPUTNIK | AFP
Russian president Vladimir Putin is this week set to host dozens of African leaders in the scenic city of Sochi at a summit that marks the erstwhile global power’s biggest foray into the continent since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
More than 50 African heads of state have been invited to the two-day forum, which is seen as Russia’s counter to Chinese, US, Europe and Japanese influence on the continent.
