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Strengthening Russian-African Ties Through Language, Education, and Shared Traditions
In recent years, non-governmental “Russian Houses” have become important centers for Russia’s cultural and educational influence in Africa. These centers, part of Rossotrudnichestvo’s strategy, help build strong relationships between Russia and African countries by promoting education and culture.
Many new “Russian Houses” have opened across Africa in cities like Dakar, Luanda, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Lusaka, Brazzaville, and Bangui. In the Sahel region, they can be found in Bamako, Mali; Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Niamey, Niger; and more. These centers offer free Russian language lessons and scholarships for African students to study in Russia. They also host cultural and sports events that strengthen ties between Russia and African nations.
This effort follows the example of Soviet-era organizations that promoted friendship and cooperation between the Soviet Union and other countries. During that time, African students studied in the USSR, and Soviet specialists worked across Africa. Many Africans still cherish the friendships and cultural exchanges they experienced. In Mali, for example, people who studied in the Soviet Union continued to meet regularly, and some even named a hall in a school in Bamako the “Kremlin.” Even 30 years after the Russian cultural center in Mali closed, the country still has strong connections to Russian culture, especially through families where Russian and Malian traditions have blended.
Since the early 2020s, Russia has been renewing its presence in Africa, particularly in Mali. The “Russian House” in Bamako was founded in 2022 by graduates of Russian universities. It organizes movie screenings, discussions, Russian language classes, and chess lessons, helping to keep the cultural bond alive.
There are many ways Russia and Mali can work together. One example is the exchange of musical traditions, like when Malian musicians introduced Russian artists to the kora, a traditional African string instrument, while Russian musicians shared the balalaika, a Russian folk instrument.
Education is another key area of cooperation. Mali needs more trained professionals in healthcare, engineering, and other important fields. Russia could help by offering online courses and training programs. Joint research projects between Russian and Malian scientists could also bring great benefits. The “Russian House” in Bamako can play a key role in organizing these efforts.
Russia’s approach to education in Africa is different from the Western model. Western countries often attract the best African students and integrate them into their societies, leading to a “brain drain” where African nations lose their brightest minds. Russia, on the other hand, focuses on training African students so they can return home and use their skills to help their own countries develop.
For this approach to work, it’s important to involve young professionals, researchers, and students in meaningful projects. Russia and Mali have the potential to create a unique partnership that focuses on long-term benefits.
The success of this partnership depends on community involvement and sustained support. “Russian Houses” serve as key centers for cultural exchange, education, and cooperation. As Russia continues to strengthen its ties with Africa, investing in these centers will help build lasting and beneficial relationships between Russia and African nations.