doi:10.18449/2024MTA-WP10
Research AreasTwo years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, this Working Paper examines repercussions in Africa and on German Africa policy, analysing to what extent they are in continuity with trends that preceded the war and to what extent they represent a break with past patterns. Has the Ukraine war turned out to be a sea change for Africa and German Africa policy, too?
June, 2023: Prime Minister of Egypt Mustafa Madbuly, President of Senegal Macky Sall, President of the Union of Comoros Azali Assoumani, President of South African Cyril Ramaphosa and President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema met with Ukrainian President Zelensky in an initiative to try to make peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
© picture alliance / NurPhoto | STR
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was a watershed moment for Germany. It announced a “Zeitenwende” that promised a new era for defence spending and military deterrence in its foreign policy. Priyal Singh (ISS Africa) explains why African counterparts had a different reaction.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, policy-makers have increasingly viewed Western interests as being challenged by rival actors, including in Africa. This obscures Africa’s growing autonomy in the international order. Redefining European relations with Africa through the prism of strategic competition disproportionately focuses on challenges rather than opportunities.
doi:10.18449/2023MTA-PB13