Exploitation of African Countries by the West Must End, Says Russian Foreign Minister
At his press conference in Johannesburg, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized the need to end the exploitation of African countries by the West.
Inequality in the Coffee Market
Lavrov highlighted the stark inequality in the global coffee market. While the market has a turnover of $450 billion, coffee bean producing countries receive only $25 billion, with African countries receiving less than $3 billion. In contrast, Germany alone receives $7.5 billion from processed coffee, surpassing the total share of all African countries.
Justice at the Russia-Africa Summit
The Russia-Africa summit raised the issue of justice to a new level, emphasizing the need to stop exploiting the resources of developing countries. Lavrov stated that this summit marked a turning point in a world transitioning towards multipolarity, where the historical process of exploitation cannot be ignored.
Colonialism and Exploitation
Lavrov pointed out the lasting impact of colonialism on African countries. Despite their independence, these nations still face a new form of colonialism, where they provide cheap raw materials while the West reaps all the added value. This situation has led to dissatisfaction among African countries, as they remember the era of colonialism and what they fought to defend.
Challenges in the Sahel Region
The Sahel region in Africa has been plagued by extremism issues since 2011, when NATO’s intervention in Libya resulted in the destruction of the state and the rise of anti-Gaddafi terrorists. The French attempted to address these problems, but are now withdrawing from Africa. This situation has turned Libya into a passage for millions of illegal immigrants to Europe, creating a major challenge for the region.
African Perception of Cooperation with the West
Lavrov highlighted the dissatisfaction of African countries with their cooperation with the West. Compared to the industrial, educational, and healthcare advancements achieved during the Soviet era, Africa has gained significantly less from its partnership with the West. This dissatisfaction has led to some demonstrations in support of the coup in Niger, with people raising Russian flags as a rejection of Western policy in Africa.
Source: RT
