The diplomatic aspect of the scramble for Africa continues, with Russia considering more visa-free regimes. Africa’s natural resources, promising markets, geo-strategic position and significance to global security are emphasised when the factors that influence global competition in the continent are enumerated. The rare earth metals and other strategic resources as well as the continent’s promising markets are attracting the political and economic interests of great powers like the US, United States and China.
In what is known as the New Cold War, these great powers have intensified their quest for alliances and influence across the 54 sovereign states and other territories in the continent—with sometimes dangerous ramifications. Russia has intensified its security partnership with the Sahel states in recent years, China is ramping up its investment drive, and the US has revamped its interest—the Lobito corridor investment. India, Turkey, Israel, the Gulf States and other “middle powers” are not far behind.
While talking about other factors, the diplomatic aspect of this scramble is often overlooked. The recent announcement by Russia that it intends to cancel visa requirements for several African countries depicts how the diplomatic facet of the scramble is integral. Already, Russia has visa-free arrangements with Mozambique, Angola, Malawi, Tunisia, Morocco, and Sao Tomé and Principe. While diplomacy goes beyond the granting of visa-free statuses to states, they are signs of closer ties. With 54 sovereign states, Africa has the highest number of states to scramble for, diplomatically. When you have African states backing you in international fora and patronising your initiatives and agenda, your standing in global affairs is enhanced. For example, the absence of several countries in the last Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg did not look good for the Kremlin.
In the last couple of years, Ukraine has intensified its effort to win “diplomatic hearts” in Africa. After a UN General Assembly vote that saw many African countries rejecting the Russian invasion of the country, Kyiv has prioritised the need to build its diplomatic ties in Africa. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has substantiated its seriousness with several high-level visits to the continent. Sergei Lavrov has also not been rare in the continent in the last years. European states are equally making efforts to maintain their diplomatic presence and ties. The recent announcement by the US that it will support African states to occupy permanent seats in the UN Security Council is part of Washington’s effort to enhance its diplomatic standing in the continent.
Regardless, African states must leverage these quests by global powers to reach good deals that enhance the living standards of the ordinary African.