By Christine TOBECHUKWU
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday 28th July, 2023 in St Petersburg that the Russian Government has signed agreements with over 40 African countries to strengthen military capabilites.
President Putin disclosed this during the second and final day of the second Russia-Africa Summit.
He said, “We are developing partnerships in military and military-technical cooperation with more than 40 African states to strengthen the defence capabilities of the countries.
“African states received a wide range of weapons and technology, some for free.
“Some of these deliveries are provided on a gratuitous basis with the aim of enhancing the security and sovereignty of the countries.”
He stated that representatives from African countries have been invited to actively participate in Russia-organised military forums dealing with the technical aspects of the weapons and also manoeuvers to become familiar with the equipment and its use.
Putin also announced that Russia partners the countries to provide assistance to the countries in their efforts to free themselves from the “vestiges of colonialism.”
Earlier, President Putin promised to freely supply African countries with 25,000 to 50,000 tonnes of grains in four months time.
According to Putin, this is to cushion the effect of food insecurity in these zones while working towards food sovereignty.
He said the grains will be shipped freely into African countries like Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Somalia and Eritrea.