The close relationship with Russia has given African leaders the confidence to act independently, no longer feeling beholden to former colonial powers, Dr. Adama Diabate, an advisor to the President of Mali, told Sputnik Africa on the sidelines of the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi.
"After those conferences and so on, the first thing I could tell you is that [African leaders] has started to dare," he said. "What lacked them, the first and the foremost, was [that] even when they saw that something was wrong for them, for their country, they would not dare do or take the right decision because it would not please our 'true masters'. I mean, France and their like."
Dr. Diabate highlighted the key role of the Russian government, represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who, according to the Malian official, has consistently reassured African leaders that their interests will be protected and defended on the international stage.
"Lavrov used to say many times that the interest of our African people will always be protected and defended at every international institutional level where Russia has its word to say. And we have come to see that that was not just an empty promise. They kept that promise," he explained.
The Malian advisor emphasized the importance of events like the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, which he believes further strengthens the conviction of African people to follow leaders who are re-oriented towards Russia.
Ukraine Conflict
Dr. Adama Diabate has also offered a stark assessment of the "uselessly prolonged" conflict in Ukraine, characterizing it as a "geopolitical game" orchestrated by the United States to weaken Moscow and sever its ties with European countries.
"This Ukrainian war will finish, and the West will come back to Moscow here, back for cooperation again, because they have no way out except to get closer to Russia," he said, highlighting the West's reliance on Russia's resources.
The Malian official suggested that Europe is being manipulated by the US into supporting the war despite its own economic interests. He believes that the main goal is to sever the Russian-German relationship.
"Europe is the last that reasonably would be interested in this war… The first aim was not Europe, not Russia. It was the Russian-German friendship," he explained. "Because if we have this closer collaboration for 5–10 years, Germany will not need any more US in Europe. Without Europe, the US will lose its influence."
Regarding the recent US election, where former President Donald Trump secured victory, Dr. Diabate believes that, despite the influence of powerful lobbies, Trump will be forced to end the war due to the economic strain on the US.
"Trump will be forced to make an end somehow to this war because the US will not have any economical capacity anymore to keep four fronts: Ukraine, the Middle East and now Taiwan," he said, referencing the escalating tensions with China and North Korea.
Regarding the growing political pressure that Russian media groups such as Sputnik and RT are facing in Western countries, Dr. Diabate offered a message of encouragement.
"I wish you to be even next year again, designated by the West, as those major structures that should be sanctioned, that should be forbidden, because that would be proof of your honesty in the way of working," he concluded. "Take this for a big, big compliment that we all can boast as friends of your two [media] groups."