The Telegraph, a prominent UK online news outlet, has reported a plot by Britain to assassinate pro-Russia African leaders.
In a story published on its website on August 16, and titled: Britain plotting to assassinate pro-Russian leaders in Africa, says Moscow, the paper’s Russian Correspondent, Nataliya Vasilyeva, quoted a Kremlin source claiming British Intelligence outfit, MI6, has trained a saboteur unit of ‘Ukrainian nationalists and neo-Nazis’ for a clandestine operation in the continent
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In the story, Britain and Ukraine are accused by Russia of plotting to assassinate pro-Moscow leaders in Africa.
The news outlet says a Russian diplomatic and military source claims that a saboteur unit, composed of Ukrainian nationalists and neo-Nazis, has been trained by MI6 for this purpose.
The source further tells this correspondent that up to a hundred Ukrainian personnel with combat experience have been selected for the clandestine operation.
“The intention is to impede Russia’s cooperation with the continent, where Moscow has been increasing its influence,” says the unnamed source.
Despite the claims, no evidence has been presented to support the allegations. Russia’s leading news agencies published almost identical reports on the matter.
The unit, led by a retired Ukrainian lieutenant colonel, is said to be preparing to travel from the Danube River port of Izmail to the Sudanese city of Omdurman.
“The ultimate goal is to carry out acts of sabotage on key infrastructure in Africa and assassinate African leaders who favour cooperation with Russia,” reports The Telegraph quoting multiple Russian sources.
The Museveni – Ruto Heightened Security
Two days after this publication, and in light of the above article discussing British-Ukrainian plots to assassinate pro-Russian leaders in Africa, the mentioned incident of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni using a new security booth during the International Youth Day celebrations in Kabale District takes on added significance. His counterpart in Kenya, President William Ruto, was also pictured using a bulletproof security booth on a similar occasion.
Both leaders have increasingly become critical of the West, particularly during the Russia African Leaders Summit last month.
The use of an advanced security booth by President Museveni has led to concerns among netizens about the safety of the country and the president himself.
The comments from netizens reflect a range of sentiments. Some express concern about the need for such security measures if the president is truly loved by the people, while others speculate about potential threats or the president’s motivations. There is a sense of irony in the comments, considering that leaders who are genuinely loved by the people should not need such extensive security measures.
Museveni’s stance on homosexuality and signing an anti -LGBTQ bill into law in May this year has also heightened Western pressure on the country with the World Bank announcing recently that it was suspending new loans to the country.
The Russia – Africa Summit
During the summit, President Vladimir Putin expressed his satisfaction at meeting President Museveni once again and acknowledged Uganda’s participation in the Russia-Africa Summit.
He underscored the significance of fostering comprehensive relations with African nations across political, security, trade, economic, and humanitarian domains.
Putin commended the enduring friendship between Russia and Uganda, citing the celebration of 60 years of diplomatic ties and the positive trajectory of trade, despite a minor dip in 2022.
The Russian leader also highlighted collaborative efforts in healthcare and plans for cultural and educational exchanges, while emphasizing shared international perspectives within the Non-Aligned Movement.
Museveni’s Russian Speech
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s remarks in response to Putin, acknowledged the historical role of the Soviet Union in Africa’s liberation.
He presented a diverse spectrum of opportunities for partnership between Russia and Uganda, ranging from energy development to space science and technology.
Museveni further proposed an economic shift by discouraging raw material imports and encouraging value addition at the source, to transform African economies.
He highlighted the potential for investment in the medical sector and applauded Russia’s contribution to Uganda’s military stability.
Russia in Africa
The Time Magazine reports that despite being portrayed as a “pariah around the world,” Russia’s presence in Africa is not new and dates back to Soviet times. Soviet involvement sought to liberate Africans from colonial oppression, leaving a lasting impact in countries like Ghana, Guinea, and Mali.
The magazine reports further that Russia’s influence in Africa has extended beyond history, as evidenced by arms transfers, involvement of the Wagner mercenary group, and disinformation campaigns that have garnered support for Russia’s causes in countries like the Central African Republic and Sudan.
Russian arms have accounted for 40% of African arms imports since 2018, and its role in the agricultural sector and disinformation campaigns have further bolstered its sway. This influence is reflected in U.N. General Assembly votes where African nations either abstain or oppose condemning Russia’s actions, as seen in the context of Ukraine where 17 African countries, including Uganda, abstained with only Eritrea voting against the resolution condemning Russia.
Western Counter-Offensive Strategy
To counter this trend, the West has been trying to recalibrate its approach. The Time counsels that expanding fair and sustainable trade ties and investments in Africa could help build positive relationships.
For instance, previous trade deals that promoted unfair competition should be replaced with agreements that support African industry and poverty reduction, says Time.
Time observes further that increasing budgets for agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and sharing power in international organizations, including the U.N. Security Council, would enable the West to maintain influence over Russia in Africa.
“Without a shift in strategy, the West risks losing its grip on diplomatic engagement, aid, arms transfers, and trade in Africa, which could lead to further alignment with Russia and China.”
Compiled by www.researchfindsug.com
