Russia boosts west African influence with Senegal truck plant
Russia is expanding its influence in West Africa by strengthening ties with Senegal, where it is opening a Kamaz car factory. According to the Senegalese press, specialist military trucks, including the heavily armored and landmine-resistant Typhoon-K, will be produced there.
5:48 AM EDT, October 11, 2024
For years, Kamaz has been a significant supplier of both freight trucks and those intended for military needs in Africa. The military forces of Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, South Africa, and Sudan use them. The Kamaz-63968 model is especially popular, known for its strong protection against explosive devices and mines. Thanks to its reinforced construction, these vehicles perform well on Africa's rugged terrains.
The choice of Senegal is not accidental. In 2018, Russia signed a military cooperation agreement with this West African country, which includes training Senegalese military personnel and providing military equipment. And Russia is offering more support.
We are ready to help Senegal and other African countries strengthen their defense capabilities and improve the anti-terrorism readiness of their armed forces and special services, promised Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in late August during a conversation with Senegalese Foreign Minister Yacine Fall.
Senegal is Russia's largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa. Russia, among other things, meets about 40% of Senegal's wheat demand.
With access to the Atlantic Ocean and borders with Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest, Senegal holds a significant geopolitical position in West Africa. It is the fourth-largest economy in the regional ECOWAS bloc, which now consists of twelve countries following the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Senegal also noticed by China
These countries, run by military juntas, have severed ties with their former Western allies, France and the United States, to strengthen relations with Russia. Senegal is also one of the most stable countries in the region, which is rare in this part of Africa, as it has never experienced military rule.
Senegal's position has also been strengthened by the recently discovered offshore oil and gas reserves.
China has noticed these developments as well, with its leading defense company Norinco just opening a new office in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. The company already supplies Senegal with VN2 infantry fighting vehicles, armored vehicles, and reconnaissance vehicles, and discussions are ongoing regarding the supply of rifles and ammunition.
