Russia has intensified its engagement in the Sahel by delivering humanitarian aid to Burkina Faso and preparing a significant wheat shipment to Niger.
- Russia is increasing humanitarian aid to Burkina Faso and Niger, including 709.5 tons of assistance and 20,000 tons of wheat.
- Moscow’s actions reflect a strategic approach to enhance ties with African military-led governments.
- This shift aligns with reduced US aid influence, allowing Russia and China to expand their presence in Africa.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, 709.5 tons of aid are being sent to Burkina Faso, while up to 20,000 tons of wheat will be provided to Niger as part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with the region’s military-led governments.
Russian news platform Izvestia quoted Agriculture Minister Oksana as saying Moscow is prepared to supply additional humanitarian aid if agreements are reached.
“Our decision on humanitarian supplies is made by the president. Therefore, if there is such a decision, of course, we will provide everything.”
“We have no information about any official requests yet, but this depends on communication between our leader and decision-makers. Regarding volumes, we have capacity and will supply all agreed quantities if necessary,” she stated.
In 2023, Russia announced humanitarian aid shipments to six African countries—Mali, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Somalia, and the Central African Republic.
Analysts suggest that, amid reductions in U.S. aid programs, Russia may adjust its approach to humanitarian assistance in Africa.
This move underscores Moscow’s growing diplomatic and strategic interest in West Africa, reflecting a shifting global order and the waning influence of Western powers.
Moscow seizes aid opening
The humanitarian crisis unfolding across parts of Africa, particularly in the Sahel and Horn of Africa, has intensified following substantial reductions and reallocations of U.S. humanitarian assistance, notably through agencies like USAID.
Traditionally, the United States has been one of the continent’s largest humanitarian donors, providing billions in food aid, health services, and emergency response efforts.
However, shifting U.S. priorities, global budget constraints, and increasing demands elsewhere have led to aid reductions or delays in vulnerable African regions.
Before now, the US allocated $70 billion annually for global grants via USAID, with 25% going to Africa. Under Trump, USAID’s budget and staff were reduced, with only 17% of programs continuing.
Meanwhile, Russia and China have capitalized on this shift, leveraging their resources and development ties to expand their influence.
Russia, a major grain exporter, has used wheat shipments to project goodwill, while China has built on its longstanding development ties to enhance health cooperation and infrastructure support.
Russia and China have positioned their aid as less conditional and more responsive, appealing to African leaders wary of Western influence, highlighting a shift in Africa’s international partnerships where humanitarian aid is a key geopolitical tool.
