Russia Strengthens Relations with Chad in Line with Strategic African Outreach

Arriving in N’Djamena, Chad, on Wednesday, June 5, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ended a major Africa tour with stops in Guinea, the Republic of Congo, and Burkina Faso. Lavrov visited his Chadian counterpart, Abderaman Koulamallah, on his working tour to go over improving bilateral relations.

Long seen as France’s zone of influence are Central and Western Africa. Lavrov confirmed that Russia’s developing ties with Chad are not meant to be directed against another nation. “I promise you that our alliance with Chad has no bearing on our relations with France whatsoever. France has several strategies; it moves from the knowledge that either you are with us or you are against us.” Lavrov said.

Russia’s diplomatic relations with Chad span 60 years this year. Russia’s growing presence in Africa has complicated the geopolitical scene of the continent because many analysts label this quest for influence as the “battle for Africa.”

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Political scientist Baba Dakono contends that developments brought about by the security situation in the Sahel region have let Russia become present in nations including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and the Central African Republic. “The security issue is a point of entrance for Russia in Africa,” he observes. “What’s happening today in Eastern Europe (Ukraine) is that the West is gaining a foothold in what is considered Russia’s pre-eminent position, so the same feeling we’re seeing in the Sahel is that the Russians are gaining a foothold in what is considered the Western pre-eminent position.”

Lavrov visited Chad in line with the visit of Chadian President Mahamat Deby Itno to Russia last January. During Lavrov’s conference with President Itno, both representatives looked over areas of collaboration meant to improve bilateral relations.