The future of Russia-Zimbabwe relations
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with his Zimbabwean counterpart, Aaron Murwira, to sign an agreement aimed at countering sanctions. This marks the 11th agreement between Harare and Moscow since 2022 and the second one this year.
On March 6, Lavrov and Murwira convened in Moscow to formalize the anti-sanctions pact while discussing a broad range of topics, including mining and exploration. According to a Russian press release, their discussions also covered developments in the Sahel-Sahara and Great Lakes regions, particularly in the context of international crisis management.
A noteworthy revelation from the meeting was Lavrov’s statement to Russian media that this year’s Russia-Africa Ministerial Meeting would be held in Africa, though he did not specify the host country. This raises the possibility of Zimbabwe playing a role in the event.
Zimbabwean media reports highlighted the country’s interest in BRICS, as it has formally applied to join the economic bloc. Given Zimbabwe’s long-standing struggles with international sanctions—including the recent 2024 US sanctions targeting President Emmerson Mnangagwa—its growing partnership with Russia appears to be a strategic move.
Discover More
Benin: Northern Attacks, Fuel Pressure, and Regional Security Cooperation Define the Incoming Government’s Stability Challenge
Benin is entering a more difficult security and economic phase. The March attacks in Alibori and Atacora confirm that JNIM remains capable of striking Beninese military positions, seizing equipment, and operating across border areas linked to Niger, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria.
Mali: Humanitarian Flight Suspension and Expanding Extremist Pressure Signal a Deteriorating National Security Environment
Mali’s security environment is no longer defined by isolated insurgent pressure in the north and centre. The pattern now points to a wider national threat picture: JNIM continues to shape conditions in central and northern Mali while pushing deeper into the south and west; ISSP remains active in Gao and Ménaka; northern armed groups retain the ability to challenge Malian military positions; and humanitarian access is increasingly vulnerable to state-imposed restrictions as well as armed-group pressure.
REQUEST FOR INTEREST
How can we help you de-risk Africa?
Please enter your contact information and your requirements and needs for us to come back to you with a relevant proposal.
