African Union values Russia’s support – chairperson

Moscow backs the continent’s bid for two permanent and five non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council

The African Union (AU) values Russia’s support in addressing African issues at the UN and welcomes Moscow’s backing for expanding the financing of African peacekeeping missions, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a joint press conference following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Youssouf said “the AU also appreciates the position of the Russia on the reform of the UN Security Council and its support for Africa’s legitimate aspirations to obtain two permanent seats on the Security Council, as well as five non-permanent seats.”

Lavrov said Russia and the AU have agreed to strengthen coordination within the UN Security Council and share the common position that Africa’s representation must be increased. The minister noted that greater African representation would help correct a historical injustice, arguing that any future expansion should primarily benefit African countries rather than Western states, which he said are already overrepresented.

Lavrov added that Russia will continue to facilitate the resolution of crises in Africa. “Those who sincerely want to help Africans resolve the numerous crises, largely inherited from the colonial era, should help Africans implement African approaches to solving African problems and problems,” he stressed.

The Russian minister voiced support for the AU’s agenda for reparations from former colonizers and broader efforts to strengthen sovereignty across the continent. He added that Russia and the AU confirmed the importance of holding regular political consultations and agreed to make them an annual format.

The talks also focused on expanding economic and trade cooperation, including ways to boost investment and increase trade between Russia and African countries. Youssouf noted that the current trade turnover stands at around $27 billion and “in the coming years these figures may be doubled.”

The two sides discussed counterterrorism cooperation, particularly in the Sahel region, with the AU chairperson expressing confidence that collaboration would continue to expand.

Youssouf thanked Russia for supporting Africa’s response to recent Ebola outbreaks, including by supplying PCR tests and medical equipment.

Lavrov stated that Moscow hopes Youssouf will participate in the third Russia-Africa Summit, which will take place in the capital in October.

The top Russian diplomat arrived in Ethiopia on Monday as part of an African tour. The visit marks Lavrov’s first trip to the country since 2022.