Building Africa Ties with Putin's Hosts
President Vladimir Putin hosted Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo for talks in the Kremlin on Wednesday, the latest sign of a drive by Moscow to build up economic and security relationships with countries in west and central Africa. The meeting between Putin and Embalo comes as Russia seeks to expand its influence in the region, with the Kremlin eyeing opportunities in mining, energy, and infrastructure projects. State TV showed Russian metals tycoon Oleg Deripaska was present at the talks, fueling speculation about potential business deals.
- This series of high-profile visits by Putin to African nations underscores the strategic calculus behind Russia's efforts to reassert its influence on the continent, which has been a long-term goal for Moscow.
- How will Guinea-Bissau's fragile security situation and Embalo's disputed mandate affect Russia's ability to execute these ambitious projects in the country?