Five Reasons Why Many African Countries Remain Neutral on Putin’s War

Five Reasons Why Many African Countries Remain Neutral on Putin’s War

 Source: The Conversation published on 30 March 2022 a commentary titled “Five Reasons Why Many African Countries Choose to Be ‘Neutral’” by Olayinka Ajala, Leeds Beckett University.

The author suggests the following 5 reasons why many African countries have taken a “neutral” position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: (1) skepticism about the motives of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; (2) growing reliance by some African countries on Russian arms; (3) growing dependence on Russia for wheat and fertilizer; (4) a sense that this is a return of the Cold War; and (5) the perception of some African countries that traditional Western allies are only focused on self interest.

Comment:  Unfortunately, this analysis seems to omit any reference to the aggrieved party, Ukraine, or the depredations brought to it by Russia.   

Labels: Africa, arms sales, Cold War, fertilizer, NATO, Russia, Ukraine, UNGA, Wagner Group, wheat