Ukraine Expands Diplomatic Efforts and Aid Initiatives in Africa

• Ukraine seeks allies in Africa amid its fight with Russia.
• Mauritania has become a key point for Ukraine’s aid operations.
• Kyiv proposes military training for Mauritania’s armed forces.
• Ukraine’s food aid aims to counter Russian influence in Africa.
• The Ukrainian embassy has overseen deliveries to Malian refugees.

Ukraine’s strategy emphasizes diplomatic outreach and humanitarian aid.

Ukraine’s Expanding Role in Sub-Saharan Africa In a surprising turn of events, Mauritania is becoming a strategic location for Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts as it grapples with an ongoing conflict with Russia. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Kyiv has opened eight embassies across Africa, installing its newest in Nouakchott. This embassy plays a pivotal role in coordinating food aid for Malian refugees, as reported by both embassy and aid officials. Alongside humanitarian efforts, Ukraine is also proposing military training for Mauritanian soldiers, capitalizing on the existing tensions between Mauritania and Mali, where Russian support bolsters the government against Tuareg rebels.

Diplomatic initiatives face escalating competition from Russia.

The Challenge of Countering Russian Influence Ukraine’s envoy to Africa, Maksym Subkh, expressed concerns about the destabilizing impact of Russia’s military presence in the Sahel region, describing it as an obstacle to stability. He emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to share military training and knowledge in military technologies with Mauritania, despite the Mauritanian government not responding to Ukraine’s training proposals. Russia maintains a significant military footprint in the region, providing military hardware and personnel, complicating Ukraine’s attempts to shift the balance of power. Not to mention, the Kremlin has signaled a desire to bolster ties with African nations, positioning itself as a significant player in the region’s geopolitics. It’s a stark illustration of how challenges in regional diplomacy remain ever-evolving, considering Moscow operates roughly 40 missions across Africa.

Food assistance is central to Ukraine’s efforts in Africa.

Food Aid as a Tool for Influence While military training is one avenue, Ukraine’s primary approach has been through food assistance. Kyiv asserts it has dispatched nearly 300,000 tonnes of aid through a World Food Programme initiative known as Grain from Ukraine, which serves as a counter to Russia’s food aid efforts, benefiting 8 million individuals across 12 countries. A significant portion of this aid is destined for Mbera, the largest refugee camp in West Africa. In 2024, Ukraine exported around 10 million tonnes of grain to Africa, almost double the previous year’s exports. By presenting itself as a viable alternative to Russian food supplies, Ukraine aims to persuade neutral African countries to shift their perspectives and encourage Russia to negotiate for peace in Ukraine.

In summary, Ukraine’s growing ambitions in Africa reveal a two-pronged strategy of diplomacy and humanitarian assistance, with Mauritania potentially serving as a moral ally against Russian influence. Kyiv is increasingly trying to draw parallels between its struggle and those of countries recovering from colonialism. As Kyiv expands its presence and furthers aid to African nations, the hope is that it can carve out a more significant role and foster stronger trade links while navigating ongoing geopolitical tensions.