Ukraine Seeks Allies in Africa Amid Ongoing Conflict with Russia

• Ukraine establishes new embassies in Africa amidst conflict.
• Mauritania’s embassy delivers food aid to Malian refugees.
• Ukraine proposes military training for Mauritania’s armed forces.
• Russia maintains strong influence with defense ties in Africa.
• Investigating deeper ties to combat Russian narratives in Africa.

Ukraine Expands Diplomatic Presence Across Africa

Ukraine’s Diplomatic Outreach in Africa Kyiv’s diplomatic presence is expanding in Africa as the nation establishes embassies, including a recent one in Mauritania. This is part of a significant strategy aimed at gaining support against Russia, especially after it invaded Ukraine in 2022. Sources reveal that Ukraine has opened eight new embassies on the continent in a bid to provide aid and foster new alliances. According to embassy officials, this new mission has facilitated food aid deliveries to refugees fleeing conflict in neighboring Mali, where Russian-associated forces are present.

Dual Focus on Aid and Military Support

Military Training and Humanitarian Assistance Offer Ukraine is not just focused on aid; it is also offering military training to Mauritania’s armed forces, reflecting the growing need to counter the Russian influence in the region. Ukrainian Envoy Maksym Subkh highlighted that this training would leverage the battlefield experiences gained in the ongoing war against Russia. However, the Mauritanian government has not publicly commented on Ukraine’s training proposal, and Russia’s embassy there has remained silent as well. This military collaboration aims to bolster capabilities while providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by ongoing conflicts, particularly at Mbera, one of West Africa’s largest refugee camps, where Malians have streamed in to escape violence.

Navigating the Russian Challenge

Counteracting Russian Influence in Africa Ukraine’s mission in Africa comes at a time when Russian influence remains deeply rooted across the continent. With around 40 diplomatic missions and strong commercial ties, including arms supplies, Russia poses a significant challenge. The Kremlin announced its commitment to boosting cooperation in defense with African nations recently, further complicating Ukraine’s efforts to make inroads. Despite historical ties between some African nations and Russia during the Cold War era, Ukraine’s strategy emphasizes its role as a reliable partner in food security, especially as it combats rising food prices exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.

In summary, Ukraine’s diplomatic initiatives in Africa demonstrate its commitment to combating Russian influence while providing humanitarian support and military training. Although the nation faces significant challenges, including an entrenched Russian presence and past diplomatic setbacks, Kyiv aims to strengthen ties on the continent through food assistance and political engagement. The long-term impact of these efforts in navigating complex geopolitical dynamics remains to be seen.