RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin welcomed Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo to the Kremlin on Wednesday, marking another step in Moscow’s strategy to strengthen its economic and security presence in West and Central Africa. The meeting comes as Russia continues to cultivate relationships with African nations through trade, infrastructure projects, and military cooperation.
According to Reuters, Russian metals tycoon Oleg Deripaska was present during the talks, signalling potential business interests. Reports from Russian and Portuguese media suggest that Rusal, Russia’s aluminium giant, is considering investments in Guinea-Bissau, including bauxite exploration and the construction of a railway and port.
Economic and security considerations
Russia has expanded its influence in Africa by forging military alliances and economic partnerships. While details of the Kremlin discussions remain undisclosed, Russia’s involvement in Africa often includes security cooperation. In recent years, Moscow has sent military personnel and mercenaries to several African nations, supporting local governments and securing economic interests, particularly in the mining and energy sectors.
For Russia, these engagements serve dual purposes—generating revenue through contracts and investments while challenging the historical dominance of former colonial powers like France and Portugal. Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony, gained independence in 1974 and has since faced political instability.
Guinea-Bissau’s political unrest
Embalo, who took office in 2020, is currently at odds with the opposition over the timing of the next election. His term officially concludes this year, but opposition groups have disputed the electoral timeline, threatening to stage a nationwide protest on Thursday.
The West African leader has also faced security challenges, claiming to have survived two coup attempts, the latest occurring in December 2023. Following that incident, he dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament, accusing lawmakers of inaction.
Russia’s growing footprint in Africa
As Moscow deepens its ties across the continent, Guinea-Bissau appears to be the latest country in Russia’s expanding sphere of influence. While Wednesday’s talks focused on economic cooperation, security agreements may also have been on the agenda, given Russia’s history of offering military assistance to African nations.
With Africa becoming a key geopolitical battleground, Russia’s engagement in Guinea-Bissau signals its ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic alliances and economic partnerships in the region.
