Suggestions of no longer helping African countries that support Moscow are a sign of an attitude that shows a deep contempt for the continent, Aly dit Agali Wele, vice-president of the Bloc for the Recovery and Development of Mali told Sputnik.
Africa cannot collaborate with partners who flout its sovereignty and do not respect its interests, the official explained. The African peoples have also become aware of the damage caused by these neocolonialist behaviors and they will know how to remember it, he noted.
"It shows a disdain for the African people, a disrespect for African leaders, as well as a lack of consideration for our autonomy and our independence. It proves that these are one-way partnerships […] It is neither legitimate, nor human, nor united, it is purely neocolonialism," he declared. Many African countries could also consider "fighting back" over the more or less long term, he added.
Aly dit Agali Wele has no illusions about the zeal of Finland, which was forced to show its credentials after joining NATO last April. However, he recalls that the fortunes of African nations are varied, and that some advanced countries need less external aid than others.
The situation could even allow some countries on the continent to assert their sovereignty even more clearly and take their economic development into their own hands.
"Finland is a new NATO country. It is obliged to come forward to show rigor and its marked adherence to the Atlantic Alliance […] But the measures of pressure and sanctions do not necessarily give the desired result. Certain aid cut could even allow Africa to take responsibility for itself, to rely on its own means," explains the expert.
Recently, Nikolay Patrushev, secretary of the Russian Security Council, stated that attempts to discourage some states from participating in the upcoming Russia-Africa summit have taken place and African representatives have complained about it.