Faith Nyasuguta
Russia is intensifying its engagement in the Sahel region by delivering substantial humanitarian aid to Burkina Faso and preparing a significant wheat shipment to Niger, reflecting a strategic approach to bolster ties with African military-led governments.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, 709.5 tons of aid are being sent to Burkina Faso, while up to 20,000 tons of wheat will be provided to Niger. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen relationships with the region’s military-led governments.
Russian Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut emphasized Moscow’s readiness to supply additional humanitarian aid if agreements are reached. “Our decision on humanitarian supplies is made by the president. Therefore, if there is such a decision, of course, we will provide everything,” she stated. “We have no information about any official requests yet, but this depends on communication between our leader and decision-makers. Regarding volumes, we have capacity and will supply all agreed quantities if necessary.”
In 2023, Russia announced humanitarian aid shipments to six African countries, Mali, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Somalia, and the Central African Republic. Analysts suggest that, amid reductions in U.S. aid programs, Russia may adjust its approach to humanitarian assistance in Africa.
This move highlights Moscow’s growing diplomatic and strategic interest in West Africa, reflecting a shifting global order and the waning influence of Western powers.
The humanitarian crisis unfolding across parts of Africa, particularly in the Sahel and Horn of Africa, has intensified following substantial reductions and reallocations of U.S. humanitarian assistance, notably through agencies like USAID.
Traditionally, the United States has been one of the continent’s largest humanitarian donors, providing billions in food aid, health services, and emergency response efforts. However, shifting U.S. priorities, global budget constraints, and increasing demands elsewhere have led to aid reductions or delays in vulnerable African regions.
Before now, the U.S. allocated $70 billion annually for global grants via USAID, with 25% going to Africa. Under President Trump, USAID’s budget and staff were reduced, with only 17% of programs continuing. Meanwhile, Russia and China have capitalized on this shift, leveraging their resources and development ties to expand their influence.
Russia, a major grain exporter, has used wheat shipments to project goodwill, while China has built on its longstanding development ties to enhance health cooperation and infrastructure support.
Russia and China have positioned their aid as less conditional and more responsive, appealing to African leaders wary of Western influence. This highlights a shift in Africa’s international partnerships, where humanitarian aid is becoming a key geopolitical tool.
Russia’s increased humanitarian aid to Burkina Faso and Niger signifies a strategic effort to deepen ties with African military-led governments, especially amid the reduction of U.S. aid programs. This development reflects a broader shift in global power dynamics, with Russia and China expanding their presence in Africa through targeted humanitarian and development assistance.
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