Russia is a powerful global player, and has been for several years. Its ability to project power beyond its own borders by leveraging economic, diplomatic and military resources has been a source of great concern for the international community. One area where the Kremlin has been particularly active recently is Africa, where it has been conducting a protracted campaign to increase its own influence, often at the expense of the United States and its allies. The latest example of this has been Russia’s attempt to gain a foothold in Mozambique, a strategically important country in southeast Africa and a key U.S. ally.
Background of Russia’s Growing Influence in Africa
Russia has long had an interest in Africa, but only recently has it begun to increase its influence in the region. In the decades following the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia’s influence on the continent was relatively small, and much of its focus was centered on its own interests in North Africa and Middle East. However in the last five to ten years, Russia has greatly expanded its footprint in Africa as part of a grand strategy to counter the activities of Western countries like the United States.
Russia has become heavily involved in the politics and economy of many African countries, from providing military and security assistance to developing trade and investment ties. One way it has achieved this is through the deployment of Russian “private military contractors”, a type of irregular force which is not officially supported by the Russian government but is primarily employed in countries where the Kremlin has strategic interests.
These activities have enabled Russia to gain a stronger foothold in the continent, with countries like Sudan and Ethiopia offering to open their military and economic facilities to Russian companies. Russian investment in Africa is projected to reach $90 billion by 2020, and the Kremlin is expected to grow its presence as it looks to capitalize on the continent’s natural resources and growing consumer markets.
Russia’s Target: Mozambique, A U.S. Ally
One of the primary targets of Russia’s influence campaign in Africa is Mozambique, a country on the eastern coast of the continent and a key U.S. ally. Mozambique is strategically important due to its close proximity to the Indian Ocean, and its access to the Mozambique Channel which serves as a strategic shipping route from Asia to Europe. As such, it is in the interest of both the United States and Russia to secure a foothold in the country.
In recent years, Russia has built a strong relationship with the government of Filipe Nyusi, the President of Mozambique. This has included the signing of several strategic agreements, such as a $3 billion loan to finance a military acquisition program, and the establishment of Russian-run military academies. Russian businesses have also been granted access to Mozambique’s energy reserves, including the worlds’ largest untapped coal reserves.
Russia’s Approach to Competition in Mozambique
The competition between Russia and the United States in Mozambique has been relatively subtle compared to other geopolitical struggles around the world. Russia has avoided seeking confrontation with America, instead opting to pursue a more diplomatic and economic approach. This has included attempting to sign agreements with the government of President Filipe Nyusi which would give Moscow greater access to Mozambique’s resources, as well as using economic pressure to wring concessions from the country.
Russia has also sought to exploit internal divisions within Mozambique as it attempts to increase its influence. It has provided military support to the opposition group Renamo, a party which has clashed with the ruling Frelimo party in the past and recently called for a return to open hostilities. In doing so, Russia is attempting to destabilize the country’s government and weaken the position of the United States.
The Impact of Russia’s Activity in Mozambique
Russia’s activities in Mozambique are a cause for concern to the United States and its allies. The presence of a Russian presence in this strategically important area could reduce America’s influence in the region, and could also potentially disrupt security and economic stability in the country. This could result in increased poverty and political instability, as well as eroding the support of Mozambique for U.S. policies in the region.
Russia’s campaign for greater influence in Africa is a source of great concern for the U.S. and its allies, particularly in light of its recent activities in Mozambique. While it is difficult to assess exactly how much of an impact these activities have had on the country, it is clear that the Kremlin is attempting to leverage its economic and military resources to increase its own presence in the region at the expense of the United States and its allies. As the competition between the two powers looks set to continue, it is important to remain watchful and be wary of any further Russian attempts to exert its influence within Africa.
