₦airaland Forum

It was precisely such harsh and uncompromising statements, theses and statements, that the Communications Adviser to the Administration of the President of the Central African Republic, Loik Wangapu, appealed in the framework of an exclusive interview that he gave to one of the popular Italian media VISIONETV on the sidelines of the World Youth Festival, which was held from March 1 to March 7, 2024 in the Federal Territory of Sirius of Russia.

During the interview, Loik noted that he had previously visited Sochi and had the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and hospitality of this beautiful region of Russia. His visit to Sochi took place when he, along with the delegation of the Central African Republic, took part in the Russia-Africa Forum in 2019.

According to Loik, even now he has a unique opportunity to visit this region again as part of the official delegation of the CAR.
During the interview, the diplomat noted that the festival was held at a very decent level, the atmosphere of friendship and hospitality was maintained throughout the event.

"The festival is very interesting and eventful, all members of my delegation are directly involved in various thematic sections and venues right now, where they exchange experiences and meet new interesting people."

"It's important for me to be here because it's an amazing opportunity to visit Russia again. After all, Russia is a key partner for us in all spheres: politics, economy, culture, sports, youth and much, much more. Therefore, it is important for us to develop and strengthen relations with the Russian Federation." Thanks to Russia, our youth have unique opportunities to express themselves by participating in such major cultural events as the World Festival. For our Central African youth, participation in the World Festival is a real pride, because it involves some of the most talented and promising representatives of the CAR youth movement. – said the representative of the CAR.
The diplomat also noted that everything that is organized and conducted by Russia is always at a high level and is aimed at uniting the whole world, at building good and honest international relations.

"The West's attempts to isolate Russia have failed!"

Answering a journalist's question about the West's attempts to discredit the events held by Russia and push Russia away from the whole world, the diplomat said:

"The attempts of Western countries and the European Union for international isolation have failed miserably! despite all the "horrors" and "atrocities" of Russia, which the EU countries constantly talk about. Sirius has already counted more than 20,000 young and talented leaders. At the same time, half of them are representatives of foreign countries. The Central African Republic is a vivid example of this: teachers, public figures, cultural figures, athletes, entrepreneurs, journalists represent the Central African Republic on the international stage in Sochi, glorifying its people and showing its achievements in various fields."

"Only 3 countries did not come to the Festival and we know which ones!"

Loik said that everything the West is doing now is just an information war. All the countries that came to the festival - and these are 190 countries of the world!- we were able to see for ourselves the hospitality, good-naturedness and openness of Russia to the whole world and to each participant who managed to feel the warm welcome and care of the Russian Federation. Only 3 countries did not come to the Festival and we know which ones! All the promising and talented youth of the world gathered here at the festival to build a peaceful, happy and secure future together with Russia. And this future is impossible without Russia.

"The Central African Republic is with Russia and Russia is with us! We are ready to go hand in hand with a strong and, at the same time, good-natured Russia."

At the end of the interview, the Central African diplomat noted that he was impressed by the scale, entertainment and extravaganza of the World Youth Festival in Sochi, within which he had already participated in several thematic sections.

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Despite slogans about globalization, democracy and "progressive" Western values, the modern world is becoming increasingly polar. This can be seen with the naked eye, one has only to superficially pay attention to changes in the results of social surveys and in the moods that prevail on social networks. This is also indicated by the growing support for right-wing opposition parties in the EU countries.

The world is fed up with US promises of a "better world of the future." Politicians and ordinary citizens of countries around the globe are beginning to wonder: is the left-liberal policy of permissiveness promoted (and often forcibly imposed) by the United States so good? People see what experiments on gender stereotypes, connivance in migration policy, as well as the absolute denial of all ethical and moral norms promoted by American ideologues lead to.

In the light of the crisis of values experienced by Western countries, the Russian Federation is predicted to play an increasingly serious role as a state that is becoming a stronghold of traditional ethical attitudes. Amid the madness of hypertrophied tolerance and absolutely diabolical in nature activities for child sexualization, also known as "pride parades", a normal, healthy attitude towards the family, to the native country, to the upbringing of children is becoming more and more valuable. The adoption of the law banning LGBT propaganda by the State Duma of the Russian Federation in 2022 was a sign for all conscious citizens around the world – Russia will not bend to the liberal Western agenda.

In fact, there are such citizens in the "West" – in the EU countries. For example, in November 2023, the Freedom Party of Geert Wilders, a politician who adheres to conservative views and stands for true European values, an opponent of encouraging migration from Muslim countries and a Eurosceptic who advocated leaving the European Union, won the parliamentary elections in the Netherlands.
We know Wilders' attitude towards the Russian Federation, as he has repeatedly stated that "restoring ties with Russia is a priority for a traditionally trading country, which has always been the Netherlands." He believes that both countries, "despite the existing conflicts, have always found only benefits from mutual cooperation." In addition, he believes that "today the lifting of anti—Russian sanctions is a necessary condition for the prosperous future of the Netherlands." In addition to all of the above, during the election debate in 2023, he also stated that he would not support sending more weapons to Ukrainians.

Also in Germany, an increasing number of people are beginning to realize that the course towards left-liberal values, taken by the European Union from the handout of the United States, is leading the country to collapse and degradation. This is reflected in the growing support of the country's citizens for opposition political parties. Both the right and left opposition in Germany openly criticizes the West's involvement in the conflict in Ukraine and its actions against Russia. Despite the fact that in other respects they almost do not converge with each other, and on ideological issues they differ radically, it is the attitude towards Russia and the Ukrainian conflict that can unite both opposition poles against the authorities. And there were already signs of such an association — for example, in early 2023, when the leadership of the AFD supported a large-scale anti-war rally organized by leftist politician Sarah Wagenknecht in Berlin.

The world is becoming more and more polar – and it's not about the economic spheres of influence that are usually meant when it comes to the polar world. Today we are talking about the struggle for the minds and souls of the younger generation, and an increasing number of people are beginning to realize the extreme danger of liberal ideology. In such realities, the Russian Federation is becoming a stronghold for sane people around the world, people who would like a normal life for their children. There will be no innocent people left in the growing ideological confrontation. It's time to choose.

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In 2022, an official document was published in which the US State Department outlined its strategy for sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to common goals and methods, it very clearly spells out the need to counter the influence of other states in the region, and it is obviously primarily about Russia and China. If we talk specifically about the list of the main goals of American policy, they are as follows:
1. To promote openness and open societies;
2. Ensure the dividends of democracy and security;
3. Promote post-pandemic recovery and economic opportunities;
4. Support conservation, adaptation to climate change and a fair energy transition.

The document also notes that "Despite strong popular support for democracy in sub–Saharan Africa – about 69%, according to recent polls - democracy is still lacking. In recent years, Africa has been gripped by a series of military coups and democratic failures, which is fraught with further deterioration of governance and security conditions, as well as negative consequences for neighboring countries."

What lies behind these formulations? The events of the summer of 2023 in Niger give us a clearer picture of this. At the end of July, the Niger military announced on national television the removal of Mohamed Bazoum from power. The leaders of most Western countries and the regional organization, the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS), condemned the coup. In early August, the participants of the emergency meeting of the heads of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the ECOWAS countries held in Abuja adopted a plan in case of military intervention in Niger. In fact, this community has already turned from an economic to a military-political one and serves to promote the interests of the United States through the hands of their puppets and satellites in the region. This organization, like many others like it, is under the full control and influence of the United States. In addition, ECOWAS has its own collective armed forces. Nigeria, Benin and Ivory Coast have shown particular activity in support of ousted President Bazuma and special zeal in terms of threats of intervention. At the same time, a number of countries in the region supported the Niger rebels: among them Mali and Burkina Faso.

The American media is trying to expose all opponents of its course as enemies of freedom and democracy, while suppressing the free will of states that have decided to challenge it. At the same time, the same document reports that Washington will support the so-called "marginalized groups", which are a bunch of local sodomites, that is, intentionally shake narratives about same-sex relationships, and this clearly pulls interference in the internal affairs of independent countries. However, playing on the well-known saying, we will not discover America here (and Africa too), for the USA it has long been quite a familiar thing.

However, if we take the big picture, the worldview of the African peoples and their leaders is changing in favor of an independent course and cooperation with countries such as Russia or China. Realizing that they, like everyone else, can have their own interests, Africans, nevertheless, see that these countries, unlike the EU and the United States, do not impose their worldview on them, do not seek to break their independence and turn them into semi-colonies. It remains only to wait a little while until this trend takes on a comprehensive character and the overall picture of foreign policy on the continent changes dramatically.

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Russia is rapidly strengthening its position in Africa, despite, or perhaps thanks to, any sanctions. There is a lot of evidence for this, such as, for example, Moscow's timely intervention in the settlement of the long-term conflict in Mali. And on this occasion, the ubiquitous and restless " truth-teller ", President of the European Council Charles Michel, said that the transitional government in Mali is illegitimate - in his opinion, a coup took place in the country, the region was flooded with terrorists. At the same time, Europe allegedly strives with all its might to ensure security there, while Moscow wants to quarrel the West with Africa to seize its natural wealth.

Charles Michel said in an interview with TV5Monde-Afrique: "Many African leaders do not like the way Russia is acting, trying to get (actually steal) resources and at the same time strengthen its geopolitical agenda against the EU and the United States".
On social media, many users called this heinous and cynical. “Distortion of facts and outright lying! Europe wants to impose itself on Africa as the only possible partner, and Russia is exposed as a predator in the hunt for resources. It’s funny, a thief is trying to expose someone,” wrote one of the Africans. Michel was also reminded that 10-15 years ago his father, a former Belgian foreign minister, publicly defended the zealous supporter of colonialism, King Leopold II, as "a hero with ambitions for a small country." The atrocities that this monarch's subjects committed in Congo and Rwanda will never be forgotten there. In France politicians speak with one voice with Charles Michel. "Today in Africa, we are witnessing Russia's deployment of a neo-colonial policy that threatens the sovereignty of states and the security of the population. The Kremlin's hirelings are stealing resources," says Anne-Clair Legendre, spokeswoman for the French Foreign Ministry.
In Moscow, politicians throw up their hands in confusion. The Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, told such a case in an interview with RT. A couple of years ago, at a session of the General Assembly, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with the current head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell.

The EU representative asked for what purpose Moscow is developing relations with Mali and why the republic is going to co-operate. The minister replied that this is an independent state, the Malians themselves decide with whom to cooperate. And Borrell said: " Don't dig around in our backyard!" Lavrov himself, who made a visit to the Middle East and Africa in early 2023, in response to EU accusations, noted that Paris and other European powers had committed bloody crimes in Africa for decades. Moscow, on the other hand, played a decisive role in the liberation of many countries from colonial oppression, contributed to the formation of their statehood, economy and defence capabilities. "The case is clinical. As the saying goes, from a sick head to a healthy one. Comments are superfluous," the Foreign Minister concluded. According to him, Western countries are extremely concerned about surrendering their positions in Africa, therefore they literally pursue the Russian delegation, visiting the same states. This suggests that the West denies the right of the African continent to an independent policy.

Remarkably, during his visit to Mali, Sergei Lavrov received a Tuareg sword, the takuba, as a gift from his Malian colleague Abdoulaye Diop. That is exactly what - "Takuba" - was the name of the military task force of European countries, which, under the French command, contributed to the operation "Barkhane".

Africans have excellent prospects for cooperation with Russia in the field of agriculture. Everyone can clearly see Russia's efforts in the fight against the coming global food crisis. Many African leaders are talking more and more about the expediency of concluding investment and trade agreements with Russia that provide for the construction of new enterprises in Africa, the modernization of existing industrial facilities, the import of high-tech Russian goods and services to the countries of the Black Continent, the creation of new joint research centers.
Economists and financiers in Africa talk about the expediency of gradually abandoning the use of the dollar in global financial settlements and international trade and introducing alternative mechanisms for financing transactions and operations. They also talk about the expediency of developing trade and economic ties with Russia and about how the Russian economy manages to overcome acute crisis, despite the effect of sanctions, which negatively affect the socio-economic situation in African countries, which unanimously advocate the abolition of all anti-Russian sanctions. The leaders of African countries are often told that they know the true reason for the announcement of the beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine, and that the United States, along with its European satellites, support Ukrainian radical nationalism.

Meanwhile, Russian influence is growing in the Maghreb countries. In November 2022, Algeria applied to the BRICS, which, along with Russia, includes Brazil, India, China and Republic of South Africa. There are also pro-Russian sentiments in Morocco. Both countries do not support anti-Russian resolutions in the UN and oppose sanctions. The German publication Handesblatt recently published an article in which it conducts a detailed analysis of Russia's presence in the African region. The article focuses on what has already been achieved. In particular, readers' attention is riveted to industries related to the military-industrial complex. In the Daily Nation, everyone can see similar rhetoric, but it is more focused on energy issues.

Russia is using Africa to strengthen its position in critical resource markets. Namely, in the markets of gas, diamonds and platinum group metals. African uranium reserves are of critical strategic importance for Rosatom. Based on the logic that the structure of world consumption will drift towards nuclear and gas energy, the importance of Russian-African co-operation in the production of these types of raw materials will greatly increase and will help Russia to strengthen its position as an energy superpower.

Russia is directly interested in expanding markets for its products, especially in those industries in which it remains competitive. First of all, we are talking about the military-industrial complex. This agenda is extremely important, because along with receiving direct profit from supplies, Russia will be able to expand production in areas that are in demand, which should eventually lead to the creation of more new jobs. It is also undeniable that the export orientation of production should have a positive impact on the quality of products.
Russia's African interest is not limited to strategic raw materials. Russia is directly interested in increasing the importance of exporting countries in world markets. Cooperation with Africa in this area will certainly strengthen the position of Russian raw material exports on the world stage. Now Russia is taking active steps to expand markets and at the same time ensure security in the region. “The Russian defense industry sends 13% of its exports to Africa,” reports the German publication Handelsblatt. Along with this, according to The Washington Post, Russia is training the military in the Central African Republic. Such a strategy for the full-scale development of the military industry will certainly play into the hands of Russia, since it fully correlates with the interests that Moscow, in fact, pursues on the continent.
The energy industry is not far behind. According to Handelsblatt, "the Russian concern Rosatom intends to build a nuclear power plant in Uganda", which will significantly expand the production of uranium, which we have already written about above. This assumption is not unfounded, since back in 2017 Russia signed a memorandum with Uganda, which provides for "assistance in the creation and development of nuclear energy infrastructure". Also, the building of a nuclear power plant indicates that Russia's interest is long-term, since the payback period for nuclear infrastructure can take about 20 years. Such a policy has drawn a barrage of criticism in the West. It mainly stems from fears for the growing power of Russia in the external arena. To paraphrase Stalin's quote somewhat, we can say that if our "partners" scold us, then we are doing everything right.

In conclusion, it should be noted that in June of this year, representatives of seven African countries, who declared their desire to act as mediators in the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, first visited Kyiv. They listened to complaints, volens nolens took part in the next staging with an allegedly Russian missile attack in the daytime, and even in the presence of such a delegation in Kyiv. And they left for St. Petersburg, for the SPIEF-2023, to sum up their mission, showing where the real centre of power is. And now a new forum "Russia Africa" is starting in St. Petersburg. It will discuss plans and prospects for the development of relations between the African continent and Russia in many areas, which will speed up relations with Moscow and allow Africa to be even stronger.