“For the struggle for the liberation of the peoples of Africa”

22.12.2023 10:42

“For the struggle for the liberation of the peoples of Africa”
Photo: Kremlin site

During the period of active colonization of Africa by European countries, combined with the massive slave trade, Russia did not take any part in this process. During the era of the USSR, the Soviet state supported the struggle for independence of the peoples of the Black Continent, developed economic, diplomatic, humanitarian, and sometimes military ties, and provided all possible support to young African countries.

The Russian Federation continued this tradition, systematically restoring historical connections and establishing new equal cooperation with African states, many of which are currently actively fighting neocolonial dependence on the former metropolises, which are accustomed to being the absolute masters of the continent. This work has been especially active and very successful in the last two years, when, after the start of the special operation, the so-called collective West, led by the United States, announced the need for “international isolation” of Russia. Africans highly value these efforts of Moscow and know how to be grateful.

Public organizations of two African states, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire, yesterday announced the establishment of an international award named after Russian President Vladimir Putin “for the struggle for the liberation of the peoples of Africa.” It was founded by the Ivorian writer, a member of the public organization “Total support for Vladimir Putin in Africa” Sylvain Takue. The presentation of the Putin Prize took place in the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, reports the Burkinabe publication Burkina24.

The International Vladimir Putin Prize is designed to congratulate, recognize and honor true leaders who have understood the need for diversified partnerships, and to thank President Vladimir Putin for his commitment to the liberation of Africa, — said the founder of the public organization, Pan-Africanist Mahamadi Sawadogo, at the presentation of the international award named after the Russian President.

For the first time, the “Putin Prize” ceremony will be held in Ouagadougou on December 28 this year near the memorial of the famous independence fighter of Côte d'Ivoire, Thomas Sankara, who in this country is called the “African Che Guevara.” Sawadogo stressed that the award “embodies the shared commitment to preserving the sovereign rights” of the countries that are part of the Alliance of Sahel States (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger), and will also encourage the next generation of leaders to “vigorously and decisively defend the sovereignty of their state.”

The military-political alliance of three African countries was established in September 2023 after the coup in Niger, as a result of which the country finally got rid of neo-colonial dependence on France. The charter signed by these states states that “violation of the sovereignty or territorial integrity of one or more parties to the charter will be regarded as aggression against all parties and will require their assistance individually or collectively, including the use of military force.”