Russia invites ECOWAS and African Parliament leaders to Moscow summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended invitations to key African leadership figures to attend the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled to take place in Moscow on October 28 and 29, 2026.

ECOWAS Commission President General Birame Diop received an official invitation via a Russian delegation in Abuja. The organization expressed its intention to strengthen cooperation to promote peace, stability, and regional development. This diplomatic move comes as ECOWAS navigates a restructured landscape following the departures of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the bloc.

Additionally, the Russian Ambassador to South Africa, Roman Ambarov, met with the President of the African Parliament, Dr. Fateh Boutbig, in Midrand. The discussions focused on enhancing parliamentary dialogue and cooperation. Ambassador Ambarov also extended invitations to the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum and proposed a bilateral visit to the Russian Federal Assembly to strengthen institutional exchanges.