Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Guinea-Bissau’s leader, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, to the Kremlin on Wednesday, reinforcing Moscow’s push to expand its economic and security presence in West and Central Africa.
State television footage showed Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska participating in the discussions. Reports from Russian and Portuguese media indicate that Rusal, the Russian aluminum giant, is considering investments in Guinea-Bissau, including a railway and port project, as well as bauxite exploration.
Embalo, who has led the country since 2020, faces political uncertainty as his term nears its end amid disagreements with the opposition over election timing. Tensions have escalated, with opposition leaders threatening mass protests on Thursday.
The political climate in Guinea-Bissau has been volatile, with Embalo surviving two coup attempts, the most recent in December 2023. Following that incident, which saw gunfire and clashes in the capital, he dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament, accusing lawmakers of inaction.
Russia has been expanding its influence across Africa by forging security partnerships, deploying mercenaries, and supporting governments in combating insurgencies. While it remains unclear if security agreements were part of Wednesday’s discussions, Moscow’s growing involvement in Africa is seen as an effort to both secure economic opportunities and challenge the influence of former colonial powers, particularly France.
