Russia has never exploited the continent and opposes external interference in the region, Foreign Ministry official Tatyana Dovgalenko has said

Russia does not view Africa as a battleground for competition with other global powers, Foreign Ministry official Tatyana Dovgalenko has said in an interview with the French magazine Jeune Afrique.

Unlike former colonial powers that have frequently treated the continent merely as a source of raw materials, Moscow has never engaged in exploitation or "behaved like a predator," the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department of Partnership with Africa stated. 

Dovgalenko underscored that Russia "deeply respects the sovereignty of African states and their national interests. This approach fundamentally contrasts with the provocative and destructive methods of the West." She noted that despite external pressures, African nations have not supported unilateral sanctions against Russia.

Addressing allegations from Paris regarding Russia's involvement in anti-French sentiment in the Sahel region, the diplomat remarked that "accusing Russia and the Russians is a well-established French refrain." She attributed France's waning influence in Africa to its own miscalculations and outdated approaches.

"Unfortunately, it has become common for those who do not dare to recognize their mistakes and take responsibility for them," the official added.

Dovgalenko highlighted that Ukraine is seeking to involve more Global South countries, particularly in Africa, in an anti-Russian coalition, but that nations on the continent are resisting these efforts. She noted that Kiev has expanded its diplomatic presence in Africa, instructing ambassadors to disrupt longstanding ties with Russia rather than foster bilateral relations. However, African states have largely rejected these efforts, avoiding what Dovgalenko called the "political shortsightedness" seen in Europe.  

Dovgalenko also thanked a delegation of seven African nations and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for their peace initiative on the Ukraine conflict, proposed in July 2023. 

South Africa has insisted on maintaining a non-aligned stance, even when facing the threat of losing access to its American market trade privileges during the administration of former US President Joe Biden.

READ MORE: Russia's vision for Africa: A key pillar in a multipolar world

Earlier in January, Anatoly Bashkin, director of the African Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, told Izvestia that representatives from Kiev and the West have been conducting targeted "political demarches" and a full-fledged "information campaign" to undermine Russia's efforts to strengthen relations with African nations.