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https://theconversation.com/ukraine-war-fresh-warning-that-africa-needs-to-be-vigilant-against-russias-destabilising-influence-178785>
"It’s commonly held that Russian president Vladimir Putin’s objective for
invading Ukraine is to install a puppet regime that is pliable to Moscow’s
interests. If so, this would be consistent with the approach Russia has taken
with its forays into Africa in recent years.
Drawing from its Syria playbook, Russia has propped up proxies in Libya,
Central African Republic, Mali and Sudan. Moscow also has its sights on another
half dozen African leaders facing varying degrees of vulnerability.
In the process, African citizen and sovereign interests have given way to
Russian priorities.
This elite cooption strategy effectively serves Russia’s strategic objectives
in Africa. These include, first, to gain a foothold in the southern
Mediterranean and Red Sea, putting Russia in a position to threaten NATO’s
southern flank and international shipping chokeholds.
Second, to demonstrate Russia’s Great Power status whose interests must be
considered in every region of the world.
And third, to displace western influence in Africa while undermining support
for democracy.
Russia has often used extralegal tools to pursue its objectives on the
continent. It has deployed mercenaries, run disinformation campaigns,
interfered in elections and bartered arms for resources. This low-cost, high
yield approach has enabled Moscow to expand its influence in Africa more
rapidly, arguably, than any other external actor since 2018 when Russia ramped
up its Africa engagements.
Regrettably for African citizens, these tactics are all inherently
destabilising. Moreover, the result is disenfranchisement and diminished
African sovereignty."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
