Why African leaders shunned Vladimir Putin’s summit
Russia’s weaponisation of food reflects its cynical approach to the continent
Vladimir Putin has never been so diplomatically isolated. Few heads of state have visited him since his invasion of Ukraine last year. So when African leaders arrived in St Petersburg on July 27th for the second Russia-Africa summit, it was something of a coup—so to speak—for Russia’s president. Yet the turnout shows the limits to Russia’s sway on the continent. Reports suggest that just 17 African leaders travelled, less than half the 43 who went to the first bash in 2019.
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This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “Grain games ”
From the July 29th 2023 edition
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