Maria Zakharova accuses West of pressuring Africa to sever ties with Russia

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused Western powers of using pressure, blackmail, and intimidation to attempt to distance African nations from Moscow. Speaking at a media forum ahead of the third Russia-Africa Summit, Zakharova claimed that Western entities offered loans, food, and political support to African countries on the condition that they end their cooperation with Russia.

Zakharova noted that resisting such pressure has been particularly challenging for many African nations due to urgent needs in healthcare, education, and food security. She warned against a global system that allows certain states to maintain exclusive privileges in sectors such as energy, natural resources, information, and the military-industrial complex.

The third Russia-Africa Summit is scheduled to take place in Moscow from October 28 to 29, aiming to strengthen cooperation in politics, security, trade, technology, and culture through mutually beneficial partnerships.