Russia FM Lavrov: West opposes Africa’s progress, pursues US hegemony

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that African countries are trying to define their own futures and solve their own problems, a trend he said is opposed by the West in its pursuit of US hegemony.

Lavrov was in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, wrapping up a four-nation African tour amid Moscow’s confrontation with Western powers over the Russian military conflict with Ukraine.

Russia’s top diplomat also said Moscow supported Ethiopia's efforts to stabilize its internal political situation, which he said was in contrast to meddling by the West.

"We confirmed our firm support for those efforts which the government is making to stabilise the situation and launch inclusive national dialogue to solve the key questions," Lavrov said during a joint media briefing with his Ethiopian counterpart Demeke Mekonnen.

Demeke said his country was grateful for "Russia's unwavering support in helping us in safeguarding Ethiopia's sovereignty".

The Ethiopian government has accused its foreign critics of seeking to unduly interfere in its internal affairs.

Lavrov has already visited Egypt, Congo Republic and Uganda.

During his meeting with Lavrov on Tuesday, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said he saw no reason to criticise Russia over its military conflict with Ukraine, extolling Russian-African friendship.

Lavrov praised what he described as "the responsible and balanced position taken by Uganda and other African states", saying the West is displaying a colonial mindset by demanding that Africa adopt an anti-Russian stance.

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