On September 23, 2024, Russian sources reported that Russia has taken steps to strengthen its military cooperation with Sao Tome and Principe, which could open up new access points for the Russian Navy in the Atlantic.
The Russian government submitted to the State Duma an agreement for ratification establishing military cooperation between Russia and the island nation. This agreement, signed in April 2024, has already been approved by the legal commission.
The agreement includes intelligence sharing and military cooperation, as well as allowing Russian warships access to São Tomé and Príncipe ports for resupply and rest. This development is considered strategically important due to the scarcity of ports available to the Russian fleet globally.
Russia’s growing footprint in Africa seems to know no bounds
In recent years, Russia has expanded its defense relations with African nations, based on a combination of security, economic and geopolitical interests. These ties are strengthened through arms sales agreements, military training and the provision of security, particularly through private military contractors such as the Wagner Group.
Russia has signed military cooperation agreements with 43 African countries, offering everything from personnel training to the supply of military equipment. This cooperation has increased especially in countries experiencing instability, coups or that have distanced themselves from the West, such as Mali, the Central African Republic (CAR) and Sudan.
A key aspect of Russia’s strategy is the lack of imposing political conditions, making it an attractive partner for regimes that prioritize internal security over democratic reforms. Unlike Western powers, which typically tie military support to governance and human rights conditions, Russia has established a strong presence in places like CAR, where the Wagner Group supports the government in exchange for access to valuable natural resources, such as gold and diamonds. Similarly, following recent coups in Mali and Niger, these countries have begun to lean toward Russian military support, away from France and other Western nations.
Russia’s strategy in Africa also aims to counter Western influence by establishing strategic footholds, such as potential naval bases, and expanding its presence in key maritime regions.
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