MOSCOW, November 12. /TASS/. Africa is experiencing a second "awakening," this time from neocolonial oppression and practices that hinder its development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with university graduates starting their diplomatic careers.
"When Africa woke up from colonial oppression, it was a powerful movement. I have a feeling that there is now a second awakening of Africa, from neo-colonial oppression, from practices that hinder its development," he said.
Lavrov mentioned that at the meeting of foreign ministers at the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, many people said that Africa wants to have its own dignified, equal place in the international division of labor.
"Africa no longer agrees to remain a source of raw materials that are bought and exported mainly to the West," he said.
According to the minister, when all technology-intensive processing is done outside Africa, that condemns the continent "to keeping a subordinate position." That means many more jobs are created in the West during the processing of African raw materials, while most of the added value and all the associated profits are also out of reach.
Russia’s top diplomat pointed to the country’s vigorous efforts to implement many initiatives on the African track, including the United Russia party’s proposal to combat modern practices of neocolonialism. Lavrov also noted that some of UN General Assembly resolutions that granted independence to former colonies have not yet been fully implemented, as the UK and France still hold on to some of their colonial possessions.
The first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum was held from November 9-10 in the Sirius Federal Territory. The event was attended by about 1,500 delegates, including more than 40 ministers from African countries.