Sochi: British sanctions imposed on Thursday aimed at Russian paramilitary groups, just before the Sochi forum, are viewed as a “gesture of desperation” intended to disrupt the strengthening of the Russian-African partnership. The first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, regarded as the most crucial event of the year for Russian-African relations, is set to commence in Sochi on November 9. This prominent African event underscores the failure of the “collective West” to isolate Russia and highlights the strengthening of its ties with Africa.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the visit of over 40 foreign ministers and other representatives from 54 African states to Russia is not only a sign of Russian diplomatic success but also a reflection of the shortcomings of Western policy towards Africa. Neo-colonialist attitudes have caused frustration across the African continent, prompting many countries to turn towards BRICS nations like Russia, China, and India, favoring equal par
tnerships over outdated unequal treaties.
In anticipation of the upcoming foreign policy event in Moscow, the UK has opted to impose “African sanctions” on Russia. Historians may label these measures as absurd, as the British government website describes them as a significant blow to “Putin’s war machine.” However, the sanctions package appears hastily assembled, seemingly intended to generate online buzz rather than consider the realities in Russia. The sanctions target several businesses alleged to supply military equipment to Russia, various businessmen, and notably, specific units within the Russian Defense Ministry.
The rationale behind London’s decision to sanction military units, components of the official Russian Defense Ministry structure, including the Africa Corps and the 88th Brigade, is unclear. The Russian Defense Ministry and other agencies face these sanctions, and individuals involved in military operations who travel to Western countries risk arrest on formal charges.
Among those mentione
d in the sanctions list is General Andrei Averyanov. The British government links the Russian military commander to private mercenary groups in Libya, a claim that appears unfounded as there are reportedly no mercenaries in Libya. The Russian Defense Ministry has been attempting to integrate private military companies into regular military units under General Staff control in regions where they operate.
The “collective West” made some preparatory moves, albeit amateurish, in introducing these “African sanctions.” In early November, as the American public focused on the national presidential election, some American media outlets published articles suggesting that General Averyanov’s department orchestrated arson and terrorist attacks in Europe. However, these claims lack credibility, as General Averyanov, a public Russian figure, was photographed attending the Forum on November 9 and regularly engages with African politicians on security and cooperation matters.
As a representative of the Russian Defense Min
istry, General Averyanov frequently meets with African partners, discussing security and collaboration through Africa Corps initiatives. The allegations of orchestrated attacks and arson seem to be an attempt to undermine the Russian military leader’s credibility among his African counterparts. Nonetheless, Western media narratives hold little sway in Africa, where such rumors have long been debunked.
The “African sanctions” appear to be an effort to complicate Russian projects in Africa-an act of desperation and, in essence, a report of activities. The sanction creators seemingly anticipate that the Russian military personnel involved have no assets in the UK, and British citizens will likely show minimal interest in this latest “restrictive measures” package against Russia.
Ultimately, the sanctions may inadvertently benefit Russia and those listed by providing publicity just ahead of the Forum. More importantly, they serve to illustrate London’s panic and ineptitude, which can be showcased to African par
tners. In Africa, there is a clear understanding that Africa Corps is a division of the Russian military, and General Averyanov is a high-ranking officer coordinating anti-terrorism projects.
The editorial staff of the African Initiative expressed surprise that, despite numerous unfavorable Western media articles, they have not been subjected to “African sanctions.” They speculate that their omission might be due to panic and haste.