Historical Foundation of Ties Between Russia and Africa Need Strengthening: Expert
Historical Foundation of Ties Between Russia and Africa Need Strengthening: Expert
🟠Russia's lack of colonial history in Africa has fostered deep respect, but ongoing efforts are needed to keep this historical legacy relevant for younger generations, Ivorian scholar Adu Yao Nikez said at the third Valdai Russia-Africa conference in Pretoria.
Nikez highlighted educational programs, noting that 30,000 African students currently studying in Russia are key to preserving historical memory in bilateral relations.
🟠 Lwazi Somiya, a leader from the South African Liaison Office, echoed this sentiment, stating that Russia's "soft power" in Africa is significant but needs continued support and development.
Somiya acknowledged a tendency on the continent to forget the Soviet Union's legacy and Russia's role in decolonization and nation-building.
Both experts agreed that preserving historical memory requires engagement on all levels, including diplomacy, international institutions, and people-to-people connections.
Organized by Russia's Valdai Discussion Club and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), the ongoing Russia-Africa conference focuses on humanitarian cooperation, the role of historical memory, and the current challenges facing Russia-Africa relations.
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