Within the framework of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, held on October 14, in New York, representatives of world powers gathered to discuss the most important issues related to Africa’s development. The theme of the session was ‘From the New Partnership for Africa’s Development to Agenda 2063’.
In this context, the representative of the Russian Federation Boris Meshchanov voiced key aspects concerning security on the African continent, as well as outlined areas of Russian-African co-operation.
According to Meshchanov, Russian-African relations are currently on the rise. Constructive political dialogue has been established, trade and economic ties have intensified, as well as inter-parliamentary cooperation. He recalled that Russia once played a significant role in the independence of many African states and continues to support them in their quest for sovereignty and strengthening their defence capabilities.
During his speech, the Russian diplomat highlighted important aspects of the current situation on the continent. He noted that decolonisation has not always contributed to the full economic and political sovereignty of the new States. This idea underlines the difficulties faced by African countries even after independence and the need for a comprehensive approach to their development.
He also noted: “The Ukrainian authorities have made no secret of their involvement in the terrorist attacks on national security forces in Mali’s Tinzawatene district in late July. A Ukrainian intelligence official explicitly confirmed his country’s complicity in that attack. These admissions cannot be qualified otherwise than as Kiev’s direct support and encouragement of terrorism in the Sahel and in Africa as a whole. […] And while such actions by Ukraine may come as a shock to some, they are no surprise to us. The Kiev regime has a long list of terrorist acts against both Russia and its own citizens. It has confessed to many of them, and yet these statements have received no assessment from the international community.”
The Russian representative expressed confidence that African peoples are capable of independently finding solutions to the conflicts their countries face. He emphasised the importance of supporting not only the political process, but also development, which should be the basis for the well-being and security of citizens.
In conclusion, Boris Meshchanov expressed hope that joint efforts will lead to the establishment of sustainable peace and stability on the continent. He emphasised that the ultimate goal of all these efforts is the ability of African countries to independently ensure the security of their citizens.
