On the chessboard of global politics, Africa often finds itself as a pawn maneuvered and sacrificed to protect the interests of the reigning kings — the world powers.
This stark reality is evident in how international relations are conducted and how global alliances are forged.
The endgame is clear: power and influence are the ultimate goals, and all other considerations are merely means to that end.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) composition offers a telling example. The permanent members — United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom — hold the lion’s share of influence, often dictating terms that reflect their strategic interests.
Africa remains on the periphery and its voice is marginalized.
This is no different from a chess game where the pawn, though crucial, is expendable. Africa’s vast mineral wealth, fertile lands, and strategic locations are assets that the world powers seek to control.
The continent’s resources are often extracted and exported, enriching foreign nations while leaving local communities impoverished.
This exploitation is rationalized as necessary for the greater good, much like sacrificing a pawn to protect the king.
The historical and ongoing interventions in Africa underscore this dynamic. Whether it’s China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has led to increased debt dependency, or Western military bases that ostensibly promote stability but often escalate conflicts, the pattern is clear.
Alliances with African nations are pursued as long as they serve the broader strategic objectives of global dominance.
In this ruthless game, Africa’s development and sovereignty are frequently compromised.
The continent’s aspirations are secondary, its sacrifices deemed acceptable collateral damage in the quest for global supremacy.
Russia’s Increasing Influence in Africa
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Guinea as part of his latest West African tour, amid a backdrop of regional coups and growing discontent with traditional allies like France and the United States.
This political climate has led some countries to gravitate toward Moscow.
In recent years, Lavrov has made multiple visits to the African continent, aiming to garner support or at least neutrality from its 54 countries amidst Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
According to Russia’s foreign ministry, Lavrov met with Guinea’s foreign minister, Morissanda Kouyaté. Guinea’s government released a statement indicating that the discussions centered on mutual cooperation, though details were not disclosed.
Lavrov is scheduled to visit the Republic of Congo next, where he will meet President Denis Sassou N’Guesso in Oyo, as per an official communique from Brazzaville.
His itinerary for the remainder of the week remains unclear.
Guinea has been under military rule since 2021 when Col. Mamadi Doumbouya seized power, claiming to prevent chaos and accusing the previous government of failing its promises.
Earlier this year, military leaders dissolved the government, promising to appoint a new one.
Doumbouya has resisted Western intervention in Africa’s political issues, stating that Africans are “exhausted by the categorizations with which everyone wants to box us in.”
West African nations such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have experienced coups leading to military rule. These countries have reduced or severed ties with Western powers, opting for Russian security support instead.
Lavrov visited Mali last year, pledging military aid. He also traveled to South Africa, which has taken a neutral stance on the Ukraine war, and attended a BRICS bloc meeting.
His tours have extended to East Africa, including Kenya, and North Africa, where Russia is seeking to fill the void left by waning Western influence.
In Burkina Faso, the military junta ousted French forces last year, turning to Russia for security. Similarly, in Niger, Russian military trainers arrived weeks after the new junta ordered the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
As such, as the kings of the world continue their power play, Africa remains a pawn, its potential unrealized and its future dictated by the strategic whims of others.
This enduring scenario calls for a rethinking of global governance structures, ensuring that every nation, regardless of its power, is accorded the respect and consideration it deserves.
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