Asia (bbabo.net), - China and the Arab states can be Russia's allies in the development of Africa, but Turkey and Western countries are the main competitors. Africanist Viktor Vasiliev, a political strategist, discusses this in an interview with Pravda.Ru.
— Viktor Aleksandrovich, how can Russia attract African countries to gain a foothold in Africa?
“We cannot be a global alternative to the West in economic terms. Russia does not have such resources. Even individual success stories, such as the many years of work of the Alrosa company in Angola, do not give a generally positive picture. But we can act in an informal connection with China. In a number of countries, China has unlimited resources, but there is no security case, political consulting experience - we can give this to the Chinese. We can act in conjunction with major developed Arab states. They also have unlimited resources and their own interests in Africa. We have intense competition with Turkey, which openly speculates on colonial rhetoric, has limited funds and skims the cream where we could be present.
We bring stability to African regions. In the work of the Soviet Union, there was also a bet on destructive left-wing radical movements, armed coups. Russia does not resort to such things, because we have not preserved those competencies, unfortunately. With regard to a number of aged leaders and outright dictatorships, radical methods of resistance could be resorted to. Because a number of African authorities openly exploit their own countries to please the West.
The countries in Africa are very different. South Africa, Angola, Rwanda have a developed economy. In terms of GDP per capita, Rwanda and Kenya are ahead of Russia. A number of countries have developed industrial complex, a middle class and a habitual way of life for a standard European. At the same time, there are points of permanent wars where the life of an ordinary person is worth nothing. Rosatom is actively and independently working in Africa. He has his own strategy, established contacts with 10 countries, there is a big project in Egypt.
The only nuclear power plant in Africa is located in South Africa and has been operating since the 1980s. French and British specialists help in its operation. At one time, Rosatom also tried to enter the South African market. Unfortunately, the initiative was blocked. Although Africa has no alternative to us in terms of value for money. The most developed countries need cheap energy. So I think we'll be fine here.
Africa is rich in minerals. Can we offer local countries targeted investment projects?
- Yes. But there are a number of nuances. Gazprom was recently allowed to have its own PMC. That is, people have realized that big business abroad without force escort is very risky. Informal PMCs, or security services, are present at Rusal. They are active in Guinea and other African countries. That is, a power block should be in large business. This is the first.
The second is community work. The humanitarian initiative does not bring a clear result, but it is necessary. Because reputation in society is important for any business. If a large company does not implement humanitarian, educational initiatives, assistance to medical institutions, even the distribution of essential products, then the business is doomed to failure. The Russians are now coming to this, fortunately. Therefore, we will have more successful examples.
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