Dr. Hamdy Bashir‏‏

Indo-African relations are growing closer and closer, a development that rests to a great extent on an energetic military diplomacy. Between March 21 and 29 of this year, India organized AFINDEX 2023, a joint Indo-African training exercise that included 24 African countries and a sequel to the first AFINDEX held in 2019. These efforts are expected to lead to stronger political partnerships with African countries, broader security cooperation, a stronger military presence, increased weapons purchases and an attempt to counterbalance the Chinese maritime presence. But they face challenges as well: the growing Chinese economic and military presence, regional opposition to New Delhi, and the difficulty of funding maritime expansion.

Why is India Pursuing Active Military Diplomacy in Africa?

Stronger Partnerships:

A controversy is brewing in Western foreign policy circles over the expansion of the economic presence of the Russian military company the Wagner Group in Africa. Many reports have pointed to this increasing role. On December 2, the Belgian Belga News Agency published a report on the involvement of the Russian military group Wagner in diamond trading and smuggling operations from the Central African Republic to Belgium, which raises questions about the extent of the economic expansion of the Wagner group in the African continent.

Why is Wagner's Empire Expanding into Africa?

Investing in Fragility:

On 11 October, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba asked African nations to support Ukraine and take a stance against Russian military operations. Kuleba said that he was very grateful for the hospitality and warm welcome he had received in Africa, shortly after returning from a tour that began on 4 October. Kuleba visited Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Kenya, and had originally planned a longer ten-day trip, but returned home early due to Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities on 10 and 11 October. During his trip to Senegal, Kuleba promised that Ukraine would do everything in its power to continue exporting grain to Africa. Ukraine’s increased engagement with Africa raises various questions about Kiev’s capacity to gain the upper hand vis-a-vis Russia on the African continent.

Can Ukraine Expand its Influence in Africa?

Diverse Challenges:

On September 30, a military coup took place in Burkina Faso, the second in eight months, following a coup in early January of this year. The coup leaders accused France of supporting the leader of the previous coup, Paul-Henri Damiba, and demonstrations were staged calling for the expulsion of French forces from the country. This raises questions about the future of France’s military presence in Burkina Faso post-coup, especially after demonstrators set fire to the French embassy and raised pro-Russia flags in support of Moscow’s policy in the region.

Will France Withdraw its Forces from Burkina Faso after the Latest Coup?

Military Uncertainty:

Morocco has sought to expand its influence in Mali through pursuing various kinds of active diplomacy. Mali’s Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla unveiled the Mohamed VI Perinatal Clinic in Bamako on 12 July 2022, alongside Idriss Asbayen, the Moroccan ambassador to Mali. This has raised questions about why Morocco has become increasingly interested in Mali. Moroccan has focused on various ways of strengthening its involvement in Mali, especially through diplomatic efforts to mediate talks between the Malian government and ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States) to lift sanctions on Mali. Moroccan has also engaged in spiritual and religious diplomacy via Sufi orders, in addition to providing medical aid and promoting economic cooperation. Moroccan foreign policy aims to strengthen ties with Mali due to its geographic proximity, natural resources, and because of Morocco’s rivalry with Algeria in diplomatic and political spheres.

Dr. Hamdy Bashir‏‏

Dr. Hamdy Bashir‏‏

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