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Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow calls for multipolar world and bigger African say at UN
In 60 seconds: The third Russia–Africa Summit ended in Moscow on Thursday with a declaration calling for a more multipolar world order and a bigger African voice in global bodies, including the UN Security Council. Representatives of 48 African countries attended, 22 of them led by heads of state, the Kremlin said. The text opposes unilateral coercive measures and the unlawful seizure of sovereign assets.
Why it matters
Africa is a key arena of great-power competition. India, which also courts Africa and backs UN Security Council reform, watches such summits closely.
Explain it simply
When a big new shop opens in the market, every wholesaler rushes to win the owner over. Africa's 54 nations are that shop, and Russia, China, the West and India all want a share.
The 3-minute read
What happened
The summit ran on 28–29 October, and the declaration was adopted on the final day. It stresses national sovereignty, non-interference and the UN Charter, and proposes a permanent high-level Russia–Africa dialogue on counter-terrorism, food security and information security.
Background
Russia has held these summits since 2019 to deepen political and economic ties with Africa. The declaration also calls for recognising the lasting effects of colonialism and for returning cultural property.
How it works
On the economy, the text backs diversified trade, fewer trade barriers, more investment and industrialisation in Africa, and cooperation in nuclear power, natural gas, agriculture, fertilisers and critical minerals.
What's next
The declaration also covers artificial intelligence, digital technology, education and health. Closer work against terrorism, extremism and maritime piracy is planned.
What it means for you
For exams, link this to India's own Africa ties and to the debate on reforming the UN Security Council, where Africa has no permanent seat.
Key numbers
- 48: African countries represented
- 22: Countries led by heads of state
- 3rd: Edition of the Russia–Africa Summit
Both sides
- Russia and African states: A multipolar order with a stronger African voice is fairer than one led by a few powers.
- Western critics: Russia uses such summits to find allies and blunt the effect of sanctions over its war in Ukraine.
Key terms explained
- Multipolar world order
- A global system in which power is spread across several major countries or blocs rather than held by one or two.
- Unilateral coercive measures
- Sanctions or pressure imposed by one country or group on its own, without UN Security Council approval.
The story so far
- Oct 2019: First Russia–Africa Summit is held in Sochi. Russia hosted its first summit with African nations at the Black Sea resort of Sochi, starting a regular leaders' forum.
- Jul 2023: Second Russia–Africa Summit takes place in St Petersburg. The second summit was held in St Petersburg, with food and grain supplies high on the agenda.
- Today: Moscow summit: Russia, Africa call for multipolar order
Exam notes (UPSC, SSC, Banking, PSC)
- Russia–Africa Summits: Sochi (2019), St Petersburg (2023) and Moscow (2026).
- The UN Security Council has 5 permanent members (US, UK, France, Russia, China); Africa has none.
- The African Union, headquartered in Addis Ababa, became a permanent G20 member in 2023 under India's presidency.
- India holds its own India–Africa Forum Summit; the third was held in New Delhi in 2015.
Likely exam question: Why are major powers competing for influence in Africa? How should India position its Africa policy?