The Ukraine crisis has ultimately presented African countries with a critical question: are there both morally and economically beneficial alternatives to aligning with Russia in Africa’s quest to grow beyond with the West?
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 marked the return of a raw global power play—one backed by on the ground military forces. It is quite historic that Vladimir Putin who served as a KGB agent during the lifespan of the Soviet Union is at the helm of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine today. However much the invasion of Ukraine resembles a replay or resumption of the Cold War, the uniqueness of this era—from pandemic to global recession—is replete with potential shocks that will reverberate in the domestic and foreign affairs of African countries and elsewhere.
The Ukrainian crisis, beyond signalling the dawn of a tumultuous era, presents Africa with a chance to assert itself in the global arena, and chart newer and more beneficial courses for the continent’s economic development. And yet economic development cannot be Africa’s only concern given the humanitarian crisis those in Ukraine are facing; especially as Russia turns a blind eye on civilian deaths in its effort to annex Ukraine. The Ukraine crisis has ultimately presented African countries with a critical question: are there both morally and economically beneficial alternatives to aligning with Russia in Africa’s quest to resolve years of unfavourable relations with the West?
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