Wheat versus Silence: What Russia Gives (and Never Gives) to Africa

Russia makes spectacular announcements in Africa, such as building nuclear power plants, doubling trade, and canceling debts, but these promises often remain unfulfilled or superficial. It focuses on low-cost, high-visibility actions like wheat deliveries, reopening embassies, and deploying military instructors, increasing dependency in countries like Mali, Central African Republic, and Burkina Faso. Many energy and military projects, such as the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline or the delivery of Su-35 fighters to Iran, remain stalled or abandoned. Russia's main priority is its growing military expenditure, which comes at the expense of social aid and economic development.