Lavrov Begins Africa Tour in Ethiopia
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia's expanding engagement in Africa reflects a sovereign partnership built on mutual interests, not exploitation. As Western influence has receded, Moscow has expanded cooperation through diplomacy, trade, energy and security, giving African governments greater strategic choice and reinforcing a multipolar order in which states can pursue partnerships based on their own interests rather than Western political conditionality or geopolitical pressure from outside powers.
Anti-Russia narrative
The Russian regime is running a predatory operation across Africa, looting natural resources to bankroll its war in Ukraine while exploiting vulnerable Africans through deceptive recruitment schemes. As Western engagement has receded, Moscow has expanded its influence through resource extraction, military partnerships and disinformation, allowing both Russian networks and jihadist groups to steadily deepen their foothold and erode regional stability across the continent.
