Moscow's Victory Parade: Africa strengthens ties with Russia
Despite a boycott by Western countries, Moscow managed to gather representatives from eight African countries at this year's Victory Day parade. The presence of leaders from nations such as Zimbabwe, Egypt, and Burkina Faso highlights Russia's growing influence on the African continent.
Although most Western countries chose to boycott the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, Russia is not celebrating alone. The Kremlin succeeded in inviting several African leaders to participate in the ceremonies at Red Square, representing nations with which Russia maintains close political, military, or economic relations.
Among the notable guests was Captain Ibrahim Traore, the interim president of Burkina Faso and the leader of the local military junta. Russian mercenaries have been operating in the country for two years, and Moscow has officially announced plans to strengthen its military involvement there. Recently, social media reported the arrival of another 1,700 Russian "instructors" to the capital, Ouagadougou.
The parade will also be attended by the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who wants to express gratitude to Russia for forgiving nearly 27 million dollars in debt. Meanwhile, the leader of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has been sanctioned for human rights violations, is seeking political and economic support from Russia. In the past, he addressed Putin with the words: "As an older brother, hold my hand as I try to develop Zimbabwe."
Equatorial Guinea, according to reports from opposition press and Western news agencies, was allegedly not only planning to send troops to Ukraine but also employ Russian mercenaries in the country. These reports were officially denied by the authorities, but their credibility still raises questions.
Victory Day in Moscow
According to sources close to the event organizers, the leaders of Egypt, Ethiopia, Congo, South Africa, and Zimbabwe will be present in Moscow. Russia actively seeks to involve these countries in its international initiatives, such as BRICS. Egypt will be represented by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
About 29 foreign delegations will participate in the Russian celebrations on May 9. In addition to African countries, representatives from China, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Mongolia will also arrive in Moscow. Despite clear international tensions, Putin still manages to gather allies—at least in some parts of the world.
