FM: Russia to boost African nations' defence against security threats

Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the military capabilities of African nations to combat crime and terrorism, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced during a press conference following talks in Moscow with Zimbabwean Foreign Minister Amon Murwira.

“We, as the Russian Federation, will continue to contribute to global efforts aimed at stabilizing and resolving conflicts on the African continent,” Lavrov stated, Caliber.Az reports referring to Russian media.

He emphasized that Russia would expand its assistance on a bilateral basis, focusing on enhancing the combat readiness of African armed forces, training military personnel, and reinforcing security and law enforcement agencies. These efforts, Lavrov explained, are designed to help African nations counter the threats of terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime more effectively.

Murwira arrived in Moscow on March 5 for diplomatic talks, marking his second visit to Russia in recent months. His previous trip, in November 2024, included discussions with Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian president’s special representative for the Middle East and Africa. Their dialogue focused on strengthening bilateral ties and fostering deeper cooperation.

Zimbabwe has increasingly signalled its interest in expanding relations with Russia. In September 2024, a Zimbabwean Senate delegation met with Russian officials to discuss bilateral cooperation, during which Zimbabwe's Senate leader, Mabel Chinomona, remarked that international sanctions had only strengthened ties between the two nations.

Murwira’s visit follows growing speculation about Zimbabwe’s potential BRICS membership and plans for direct air links between the two countries. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has also highlighted Zimbabwe’s eagerness to collaborate with Russia in the fertilizer sector, a topic expected to be discussed during the latest round of talks.

Russia has already demonstrated its commitment to economic support for Zimbabwe. In March 2024, Moscow delivered 25,000 tons of wheat and 23,000 tons of fertilizers to Zimbabwe, reinforcing their economic partnership. Furthermore, in December 2024, Russia simplified visa procedures for Zimbabwean citizens, allowing them access to a unified e-visa system.

Since 2014, Russia and Zimbabwe have cooperated within the framework of the Russian-Zimbabwean intergovernmental commission, working together on international platforms such as the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter. Both countries have also signed agreements on preventing the deployment of weapons in space.

The political dialogue between Moscow and Harare has remained strong, with President Mnangagwa attending the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2024, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mnangagwa has repeatedly stressed Russia’s importance as a global ally and has encouraged Russian businesses to invest in Zimbabwe.

By Tamilla Hasanova