Vladimir Putin hosts African leaders at third Russia-Africa summit in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted dozens of African leaders and delegates in Moscow for the two-day, third Russia-Africa Summit on Wednesday. France 24, Al Jazeera, and the South China Morning Post reported that the gathering aimed to expand Moscow's influence and footprint across the continent. African Business noted that the latest push by the Russian leader was met with scepticism. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

Speaking to visiting leaders, Vladimir Putin stated that Russia does not engage in neo-colonial exploitation, as reported by Al Jazeera. According to Al Jazeera, Reuters, and the South China Morning Post, the Russian president claimed Moscow is the best partner for Africa. He accused Western powers of continuing to exploit the continent's resources and using debt to hinder its development. [3][4][6][8]

France 24 reported that the delegates gathered to negotiate agreements regarding trade, security, arms deals, and grain supplies. Meanwhile, EUobserver reported that the Russian president faced anger from African officials over coercive recruitment of Africans into the Russian military fighting in Ukraine. [5][10]

The diplomatic meetings take place as Russia attempts to strengthen connections with a continent home to nearly 1.6 billion people, France 24 reported. Following the summit, the Kremlin published a joint press conference between Vladimir Putin and Evariste Ndayishimiye, the Chairperson of the African Union and President of Burundi. [2][11]