The coming of Russia to Africa "is going to bring a lot of sanity, economic development, socio-political development in the continent," Lere Amusan, a professor of International Relations from Bowen University, Nigeria, extraordinary professor, North West University, South Africa, commented regarding Russia-Africa relations in this new term of the Russian President Vladimir Putin, who officially took office today.
When Russia has its own stand in Africa, the continent will become an El Dorado, a destination whereby Africans can make use of their mineral resources for their own development, the professor went on to say. Vladimir Putin is "a friend of Africa" and "a friend of South-South relations," he told Sputnik Africa.
Reflecting on the president's inaugural speech, the expert stressed that "he was a realistic president by saying that Russia is facing the challenge, and the challenge is the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine," which according to Amusan, "needs to be fought in order to correct the history of Europe and most especially Eastern Europe."
Another challenge that Putin faces in this new term is "the NATO's activities and European Union activities in Ukraine," since if Ukraine wins this war, "the old international system will be captured and we will be going back to a unipolar moment," the professor said.
The expert also highlighted that after the conflict in Ukraine is won by Russia, there will be a total overhaul of the international system, which may allow Africa to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
In his inaugural speech, Putin highlighted that "as a united and great nation, Russians will overcome obstacles and realize their plans, and will win. "Russia will continue to work with its partners to create a multipolar world order," he added.