Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo at the Kremlin, continuing Russia’s strategic push to deepen its economic and security relationships across West and Central Africa. This meeting marks another step in Moscow’s growing engagement with African nations, particularly in areas such as resource extraction and military cooperation.
During the talks, which were broadcast by state TV, Russian metals tycoon Oleg Deripaska was also seen in attendance, signaling the involvement of prominent business figures in Russia’s outreach to the region. According to reports from Russian and Portuguese media outlets, Guinea-Bissau’s government revealed that Russian aluminum giant Rusal has shown interest in funding large-scale infrastructure projects in the country, including the construction of a railway and port, as well as exploring opportunities for bauxite mining.
Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony, has faced ongoing political instability. Embalo, who took office in 2020, has clashed with opposition groups over the timing of his upcoming re-election. Tensions reached a peak in December 2023 when a failed coup attempt, involving gunfire and clashes in the capital, led to the dissolution of the opposition-controlled parliament. Embalo accused the opposition of failing to act and has faced protests over the disputed election timeline.
While the official discussions between Putin and Embalo did not explicitly address security issues, Russia has been expanding its military presence in Africa in recent years. Moscow has sent thousands of mercenaries to support African governments in their fight against insurgents and unrest, often in exchange for lucrative contracts and mining rights. This strategy serves to counterbalance the influence of Western powers, particularly former colonial powers like France, while simultaneously opening new economic opportunities for Russia in sectors such as mining, energy, and infrastructure.
Through such engagements, Russia is steadily enhancing its role in African geopolitics, capitalizing on the continent’s natural resources and offering military support to governments seeking to strengthen their security forces. This growing influence reflects Russia’s broader efforts to shift global power dynamics and reduce Western dominance in strategic regions.