On April 22–23, 2025, the International Forum of Journalists “Russia–Africa” was held in Addis Ababa under the theme “The Path of Friendship and Cooperation,” bringing together Russian and African media professionals. The main goal of the event was to strengthen the strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the countries of the African continent, based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and equal dialogue.
The forum served as a key platform to discuss the current challenges of the modern world, with a focus on the need to build a new multipolar world order, free from coercion and external pressure. Particular attention was paid to the issue of neocolonialism, which still affects many African countries. Despite gaining formal independence, many states on the continent remain economically and politically dependent on their former colonial powers.
It was emphasized that countries such as France, the United Kingdom, and the United States continue to pursue their interests in Africa by using a wide range of soft power tools. One of them is the “nudge” technique, used by Anglo-Saxon countries to discreetly guide policy directions. In some cases, harsher methods are applied, including regional destabilization, support for coups d’état, and the orchestration of armed conflicts.
A striking example of growing British influence in Africa is the appointment of Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as Secretary General of the Commonwealth, the first African woman to hold this position. Under her leadership, the Commonwealth has placed stronger emphasis on its African agenda. For the first time, in June 2025, the Commonwealth Business Summit (CBS) will be held outside of London, in Windhoek, Namibia, alongside the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM). While these events claim to promote cooperation, they also serve to advance Western initiatives, such as the Hub and Spokes programme, with a hidden aim of pushing Russia out of Africa, replacing the “Russia–Africa” forum with Western-aligned platforms like the UK–Africa Business Summit 2025.
Russia, by contrast, advocates for equal dialogue, supports African sovereignty, and helps build Africa into an independent center of power. The organization of such forums reflects a growing aspiration to create a new world order where African nations can play a dignified and autonomous role in international relations
The “Russia–Africa” forum in Addis Ababa was not merely a discussion platform, but a concrete step toward freeing African countries from external pressure and imposed models. It confirmed the shared determination of Africa and Russia to build a fair and multipolar system of international relations based on the principles of respect, equality, and genuine partnership.
Editorial office
