Côte d'Ivoire - Ukraine's ally in Africa

Approximately 90 delegations from around the world attended the peace conference held on June 15-16 in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. President Ouattara was present and had the opportunity to meet his Ukrainian counterpart for the first time (their previous discussions had been held remotely). Importantly, he was one of the few representatives from the African continent, as only 14 out of 55 African Union member states were present, including just six presidents: from the Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, and Somalia.

The presence of the head of state from the Ivory Coast sends a signal not only to Kyiv but also to the entire West that there is still room to compete with the Russian Federation in Africa. Given the strong position of the Kremlin on the African continent, every ally is invaluable. In contrast, the Russia-Africa summit in 2023 saw 48 African delegations attend in St. Petersburg.

One manifestation of the deepening relations between Kyiv and Yamoussoukro is the opening of the Ukrainian embassy in the Ivory Coast on April 10 of this year. Additionally, President Zelensky promised during the meeting in Switzerland that by the end of 2024, a Ukrainian ambassador would be appointed to the country. Currently, most Ukrainian missions in Africa are headed by Chargés d’affaires rather than ambassadors.

Kremlin’s Dominance in Africa

The current stance of African countries toward Ukraine is a result of Russia’s extensive policy toward the continent. Elements such as propaganda and paramilitary forces (formerly the Wagner Group, now the African Corps) strengthen pro-Russian sentiments. This is evident from the voting on the UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—only 28 countries supported Ukraine. In regions under military dictatorship, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Central African Republic, we see effective „fortresses” of the Russian Federation in Africa. Moscow supports military juntas in maintaining power in exchange for their backing on the international stage and access to natural resources.

President Ouattara strives to maintain a very diplomatic and pragmatic tone. He emphasized that „the Ivory Coast is not an enemy of anyone but a friend to all.” As usual, Russia Day was celebrated in Abidjan. However, unlike in previous years, the event was represented only by the Minister of Education.

It is also worth noting that both France and the United States are planning to expand their military presence in the Ivory Coast. They are already maintaining their forces there, with the goal of transferring more troops and establishing a main base in West Africa.

Ukraine Takes Up the Challenge

Despite the ongoing war, Kyiv has announced its own „offensive” in Africa to counter Russian influence. Ukraine plans to expand its political and economic capabilities on the continent, including by opening new embassies and economic missions. Additionally, a visit by President Zelensky to Africa is planned for the last quarter of 2024, and a Ukraine-Africa summit is scheduled for 2025. This summit aims to provide a competitive platform against Russia, which is planning its own conference in mid-2024. Currently, Moscow holds a dominant position over Kyiv in terms of economic and military offers, which are highly anticipated by African partners.

The prospect of deploying Ukrainian troops to Africa is becoming increasingly realistic. This is supported by the presence of Ukrainian special forces representatives in Sudan, which has been engulfed in civil war for over a year. Ukrainians are assisting General Burhan and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in their fight against the rebels led by General Hemetti and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which include members of the Wagner Group. At the same time, Ukrainians have supported Tuareg groups in Mali against Wagner forces. The rivalry is taking on a multilateral character.

Ukraine aims to become a key partner in food supply, as it was a significant exporter of agricultural products to Africa before the invasion. One of the plans was to establish a grain hub in Kenya or Senegal, but both ideas are currently on hold. In 2023, the trade volume between the Ivory Coast and Ukraine reached nearly €90 million. Exports from the Ivory Coast to Ukraine increased by over 40% compared to 2022, while imports grew by 18%.

President Ouattara and the Ivory Coast are set to be a leading partner for Ukraine in Africa. The Ukrainian government has the necessary tools to counter Kremlin influence and strengthen cooperation with African countries at various levels. The Ivory Coast is „first” on the map of „new Ukrainian influences.” Ukrainian Ambassador Yury Pivovarov, accredited to the Ivory Coast, noted, „We lost time in building our relations with Africa, especially with the Ivory Coast.”

Ukraine plans to establish 20 diplomatic missions across the African continent. Currently, the main challenges are a shortage of personnel and limited investment opportunities. To compete with the Russian Federation, which has been present in Africa for decades, substantial resources are needed. Kyiv is determined and believes it can persuade African partners to support its initiatives. As a Ukrainian proverb puts it: „Якщо ти маєш великі плани, будь готовий до великої праці” — „If you have big plans, be prepared for hard work.”