Guinea-Bissau is actively seeking to strengthen its ties with Russia to advance its national interests, particularly given the multiple crises it is currently facing, according to Mariam Abdel-Hay Ali Farag, a PhD researcher specializing in African affairs at Cairo University.
"The visit comes at a sensitive time for the African continent, amid the growing crisis in the [Democratic] Republic of the Congo, tensions between the United States of America and South Africa, as well as the handover by France of the Port military base, which includes the 46th Infantry and Marine Battalion, to Ivory Coast after nearly 50 years of operation," she told Sputnik Africa, commenting on Guinea-Bissau President Oumarou Sissoku Embalo's recent visit to Russia.
The visit, she suggested, allows Russia to leverage Guinea-Bissau's strategic location in West Africa to expand its influence in the region.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, increased Western pressure on Russia, and regional issues like the Sudanese crisis and the escalating situation in the Congo all form the backdrop of this meeting. The expert believes this creates an opportunity for Russia to step into a mediating role in these conflicts.
"Russia may take advantage of the acceptance that Russia has recently enjoyed in the African continent, as well as being a strong alternative to Western governments that have left the continent," she said.
Finally, Dr. Farag suggested that the visit could pave the way for closer collaboration between Guinea-Bissau and Russia, potentially involving participation in initiatives like BRICS or other international groupings.