Borrell questioned the sincerity of African support for Russia

The sincerity of Africans who take to the streets with posters in support of Russia is questionable. At the same time, such actions are shocking, EU diplomat Josep Borrell said at a meeting of the European Parliament’s committee on combating foreign interference.

“Russia shifts the blame, distorts reality and finds its audience in certain parts of the world. <…> I’m talking, for example, about young people on the streets of Bamako, who were shown on TV channels with a poster: “Putin, you saved the Donbass and now you will save us!” It’s shocking!” — Borrell shared (quote according to RIA Novosti).

In his opinion, the inhabitants of Africa, who declare their support for Moscow’s line, “do not know where the Donbass is and who President Vladimir Putin is.” At the same time, Borrell noted, Russia is also supported by residents of some European countries. As an example, he cited the Balkans, where, according to him, you can find a poster “Thank you! Happy birthday, Mr Putin.”

Borrell’s position was criticized by other MEPs. Thus, the German official Ozlen Demirel spoke about the “arrogant tone” of the head of EU diplomacy and accused him of “insufficient respect” for Africa.

Earlier, European leaders have already expressed concern about the expansion of Russia’s military and diplomatic contacts in Africa. At the end of July, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made a tour of African countries, visiting Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda and Congo.

Against the background of the movements of the Russian minister, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Russia’s actions in relation to Africa can be described as “aiding at the weakened political authorities, or absolutely illegitimate military juntas.” The words of the French leader were criticized by Lavrov, notingthat Macron could have put it “more ethically”.

In addition, in August, France brought out all their troops participating in Operation Barkhane are from Mali. And on August 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin spent telephone conversation with President of the Transitional Period of Mali, Assimi Goita. The leaders discussed the supply of Russian food, fertilizer and fuel to Mali.

At the same time, Russia supplies Mali with weapons and equipment. In particular, on August 9 it became known that Moscow handed over Bamako L-39 and Su-25 fighters and Mi-24P and Mi-8 combat helicopters, as well as CASA C-295 tactical transport aircraft.

Subscribe on “Vedomosti” in Telegram and stay up to date with the main news of the economy and business