{UAH} The historical complexity of relationship between Africa and Russia

By Dwanye Wong Omowale

The relationship between Africa and Russia is a complex one. Whereas Western European nations participated in the enslavement and colonization of African people, Russia did not. For that reason, Russia was never one of the colonial powers that Africa had to fight. Some African leaders would later look to the Russian Revolution as a source of inspiration. From the 1920s to the 1980s, a number of African leaders and intellectuals embraced communism in part because of Russia. Even those like Marcus Garvey and Kwame Ture who did not embrace communism, still expressed admiration for Vladimir Lenin. Not only were Africans influenced by the revolutionary ideas espoused by the Soviet Union, but the Soviet Union also directly supported many of the anti-colonial struggles in Africa. 

There were contradictions in the Soviet Union as well, which certain Pan-Africanists were forced to confront. George Padmore left the Communist Party when he realized that the members were not as committed to Africa's liberation as he would have liked. C.L.R. James, who was a Marxist, denounced the dictatorship of Joseph Stalin. Thomas Sankara, who was greatly influenced by the ideology of Marxism-Leninism, denounced the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. Walter Rodney criticized the Soviet support for the Derg regime in Ethiopia. Russia has never really been a serious threat to Africa, but it's also true that much of Russia's policies regarding Africa have been ideological. This was great when it meant that Russia was backing anti-colonial struggles, but not so great when it resulted in Russia supporting oppressive dictatorial regimes which espoused Marxism-Leninism. This is the lens with which I view Russia today. Putin is an authoritarian leader who oppresses his own people in Russia. This is not something that I support, but in my view countries such as the US, France, and Britain are greater concerns to Africa's development than Russia is.

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