Russia and African countries agreed to cooperate regarding claims for compensation for the damages caused by colonialism and to continue the restitution of artifacts, according to the closing statement of the Russia-Africa summit published on the Kremlin's website. The statement indicated that participants agreed to "contribute to completing the process of decolonization in Africa and demanding compensation for the economic and humanitarian damages inflicted on African countries as a result of colonial policies, including the return of artifacts that were seized during colonial plundering."
Both sides agreed to oppose all forms of discrimination and intolerance, including "aggressive nationalism, neo-Nazism, neo-fascism, Afriphobia, and Russophobia." Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that a unified stance was adopted at the Russia-Africa summit to challenge the colonial system and attempts to eradicate shared values.
At the conclusion of the Russia-Africa summit, he noted that "Russia and African countries reaffirm their position on forming a just and multipolar world order," emphasizing that "there will be a working mechanism and coordination between Russia and Africa in the coming phase." Putin revealed that "we have a work plan with Africa until 2026, with the goal of increasing trade exchanges and infrastructure, and transitioning to settlements in local currencies." He highlighted that "Russia will take into account the proposals of our African partners during the Russia-Africa summit."
He added: "Our companies are open to delivering technology to African partners and increasing cultural and sports cooperation," stressing that "Russia will provide assistance to African countries in combating epidemics, with allocated funds reaching 1.5 billion rubles." Putin also indicated that "Russia will continue to supply African countries with grain on a commercial and free basis."
In turn, the current President of the African Union and President of Comoros, Ghazali Osman, affirmed after the conclusion of the Russia-Africa summit that "when Russia wins, Africa wins," and emphasized "Russia's commitment to assistance, training, and enhancing the capabilities of the human resources in Africa."
He pointed out that "Russia was the first to provide support to Africa in the face of colonialism and slavery," clarifying that "Russia's investment in Africa does not mean that the continent is not open to other parties." Osman revealed that "Putin confirmed his readiness to negotiate, and we will see what the stance of the Ukrainian side will be," noting that "Putin's proposals for supplying grain to Africa are not enough, and there is a need for a ceasefire in Ukraine."
