Russia-Africa: Moscow at the center of a dual diplomatic and energy gathering

The first African leaders have arrived in Moscow for the Gas Exporting Countries Forum on October 27, followed by the Russia-Africa Summit on October 28 and 29. Russian presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov said 48 African countries had confirmed their participation in the summit. Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the current rotating chair of the African Union, will co-chair the talks with Vladimir Putin. Discussions will cover the economy, investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture and security amid growing competition among foreign powers for influence in Africa.