Putin announces deal for “multipolar world order”

“O commitment of all our states to the formation of a just and democratic multipolar world order (…) has been reaffirmed”, declared Vladimir Putin in the closing speech, referring to the “common determination to fight against neocolonialism” and sanctions “illegitimate”.

Isolated on the international stage since it invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Moscow organized the second Russia/Africa summit this year bringing together delegations from 49 African countries, including 17 heads of state.

At the end of the meeting, a joint declaration was adopted providing for enhanced cooperation in the areas of food supply, energy and development aid.

The declaration calls for “the creation of a more just, balanced and sustainable multipolar world order, firmly opposing any form of international confrontation on the African continent”, according to the text published on the Kremlin’s website.

The text signals that Moscow will help African countries to “obtain reparation for the economic and humanitarian damage caused by Western colonial policies”, including the “restitution of looted cultural goods”.

Putin said he still had to discuss the situation in Ukraine with “interested African countries” overnight.

“The representatives of African states have demonstrated their political will, their independence and their genuine interest in developing cooperation with our country”, said Putin, satisfied.

Putin announced that the Russia/Africa summit will be held every three years and that a “partnership and dialogue mechanism” will be created for “security issues”, including the fight against terrorism, food security and climate change.

The Russian President also addressed the progressive transition to the use of national currencies, including the ruble, in commercial transactions between Russia and Africa.

On the first day of work, on Thursday, Vladimir Putin committed to free deliveries of cereals to six African countries over the next few months, in a context of concern after Moscow’s abandonment of the agreement on Ukrainian agricultural exports.

For several years, Russia has been strengthening its ties with Africa, namely through the use of mercenaries at the service of the Wagner paramilitary group, presenting itself as a bulwark against Western “imperialism” and “neocolonialism”.

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