Russia Boosts Sahel Influence with Aid to Burkina Faso and Niger
Russia is ramping up its diplomatic charm offensive in West Africa by delivering 709.5 tons of food aid to Burkina Faso and up to 20,000 tons of wheat to Niger. The move signals Moscow’s growing strategic interest in Africa, especially as US aid wanes. With global budget constraints and shifting priorities trimming America’s once-robust humanitarian assistance to the continent, countries like Russia and China are stepping in and offering aid with fewer strings attached. Russian officials say more support could follow if leaders reach new agreements. Analysts see this as part of a broader geopolitical reshuffling, where humanitarian aid is no longer just relief, but a powerful lever in shaping influence across Africa’s evolving global alliances.
Business Insider Africa
