In recent statements, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kouleba stressed Ukraine's commitment to rekindling and strengthening its relations with the African continent. This move is part of Kyiv's long-term strategy to counter growing Russian influence in Africa, which, according to Kouleba, rests on methods of coercion, corruption and intimidation.
After years of neglected relations with Africa, Ukraine has begun a careful campaign of rapprochement, in an attempt to garner support against the Russian occupation of its territory, a crisis that erupted in February 2022.
The head of Ukrainian diplomacy revealed, in an interview with AFP, that concerted efforts are under way to drive a renaissance in Ukrainian-African relations. Kouleba also stressed the need for consistent and prolonged work with the African continent, having already made three visits to various African countries.
A significant moment in this rapprochement was the visit in June of a delegation of African leaders to Ukraine, led by the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.
Although many African countries maintain a stance of neutrality towards the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Kouleba assured that there is a gradual erosion of the Russian presence in Africa. Among Kyiv's new allies on the continent, he cited Liberia, Kenya, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Rwanda and Equatorial Guinea.
Furthermore, Kouleba accused Moscow of dishonesty with regard to concern for food security in Africa, after the withdrawal from a vital agreement that would have allowed the export of 33 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea.
Russia's refusal in July to continue this agreement raised fears of rising grain prices, affecting mainly the most vulnerable countries. In response, the Russian President pledged to supply free grain to six African nations. However, Kouleba points out that the real losers are Ukrainian farmers and African bread consumers, who will face the higher costs of Moscow's decision.
