Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made a significant visit to Guinea on Monday, marking his latest trip to West Africa.
The region has seen a shift in alliances, with some countries turning towards Moscow amid growing discontent with traditional partners like France and the United States.
Lavrov’s visit comes as Russia seeks support or at least neutrality from African nations in light of its invasion of Ukraine. During his visit, he met with Guinea’s foreign minister Morissanda Kouyaté to discuss areas of mutual cooperation, although details were not disclosed.
Following his visit to Guinea, Lavrov was scheduled to travel to the Republic of Congo to meet with President Denis Sassou N’Guesso in Oyo. His further itinerary in the region was not immediately clear.
Guinea has been under military rule since 2021 when Col. Mamadi Doumbouya seized power, citing the need to prevent the country from descending into chaos and accusing the previous government of broken promises. In February, the military dissolved the government without providing an explanation, announcing the appointment of a new one.
Doumbouya has rejected external intervention in Africa’s political affairs, emphasizing that Africans are tired of being boxed into certain categories by outside powers. Several West African countries, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, have experienced military coups and have turned to Russia for security support, scaling back their ties with Western nations.
Lavrov has been active in Africa, having visited Mali and pledged military assistance, as well as engaging with South Africa on the Ukraine conflict. He also toured North Africa last year to strengthen ties in the region.
In West Africa, Burkina Faso ousted French forces in favor of Russian security support, while Niger welcomed Russian military trainers following the withdrawal of U.S. troops ordered by the junta in power.
The geopolitical landscape in West Africa is evolving, with countries reevaluating their alliances and seeking alternative sources of security support. Lavrov’s visit underscores Russia’s growing influence in the region amidst shifting dynamics and strategic interests.
