How Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has Changed Russia- Africa Relations

Abstract

This thesis examines how Russia\u27s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has impacted Russia\u27s relationships with several African countries, specifically focusing on Libya, Mali, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Sudan. The study employed qualitative data analysis sourced from both primary and secondary materials, including official government statements, expert opinions, statements from key stakeholders, journal articles, verified news media, and think tanks. The study has found that the geopolitical shifts triggered by Russia’s war against Ukraine have enhanced Russia\u27s political, economic, and military cooperation in the four African nations under analysis. The analysis of the five African nations’ cooperation with Russia has resulted in five specific themes: (1) Security and military partnerships; (2) Strategic non-alignment; (3) Postcolonial identity and anti-western sentiment; (4) Economic incentives, and (5) Diplomatic support of Russia