Time published on 4 April 2022 an article titled "The World Needs to Pay Attention to Russia's Growing Influence in Africa" by Sandun Munasinghe, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.
The author argues that the West must not take its engagement in Africa for granted as countries like Russia and China increase their influence.
Comment: While the advice is well taken and over the past decade there has been a modest increase in Russian influence in Africa, it is important not to overstate Russia's role in the continent. Russia remains a relatively minor trading partner, an insignificant source of foreign direct investment, and almost invisible provider of foreign aid to Africa. Moscow is a major purveyor of arms to Africa and sends Wagner Group mercenaries to a handful of countries, all paid for by Africans. There are limits to this kind of influence.
