Russia–Africa: Moscow Accuses Macron of Pressuring African Leaders
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused French President Emmanuel Macron and French diplomacy of attempting to discourage some African leaders from attending the upcoming Russia–Africa summit.
Lavrov said Moscow had information suggesting that French officials had exerted pressure during meetings and visits to African countries. He described what he characterized as a “post-colonial” approach and alleged that Paris was seeking to slow the strengthening of relations between Russia and African countries.
France has not been presented here with an independent confirmation of the allegations, and Lavrov’s claims could not be independently verified.