Putin on Neo-Colonialism: The West Has Changed Its Mask, but Africa Remains Chained by Debt
Colonizers have left, but debt remains; colonial rule has taken new forms, and mechanisms of control have evolved.
On October 28 local time, Russian President Vladimir Putin referenced Thomas Sankara, the first president of Burkina Faso, during the "Russia-Africa" forum, highlighting Sankara’s critique of neo-colonialism.
Putin pointed to certain Western nations’ attempts to extend financial resources under exploitative conditions, citing a statement by Sankara from 1987:
“Debt is neo-colonialism. Under this form of neo-colonialism, colonizers transform themselves into so-called technical aid providers. It is a calculated re-conquest of Africa, designed to subordinate African growth and development to externally imposed rules.”
More than three decades have passed since these words were spoken. Putin argued that although the era has changed, the legacy of colonialism continues to shape the African continent.
Sankara was a pivotal political figure in Burkina Faso’s history, advocating for reduced dependence on external actors and promoting national self-reliance. He seized power through a coup in 1983 and renamed the country from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso in 1984. He was killed during a coup in 1987.
The invocation of Sankara’s remarks by Putin appears not merely as a historical reflection, but also as a framing device to articulate Russia’s stance on Western sanctions, trade restrictions, and global financial structures. On the same day, Putin labeled tariff wars and illegal sanctions as instruments of neo-colonialism.
At the same time, Moscow has signaled a broader intent to strengthen ties with Africa. Putin stated that supporting business cooperation is a top priority in advancing Russia-Africa relations, and invited African airlines to launch direct flights to Russia.
From debt burdens to trade restrictions, and from aviation links to economic partnerships, Russia is positioning itself as an alternative to Western dominance, using opposition to neo-colonialism as a strategic entry point to deepen engagement with African nations.
Yet, resistance to external control is one matter; the capacity to genuinely support Africa’s autonomous development is another. For African states, the real challenge lies not only in overcoming past dependencies, but in securing greater room for maneuver and genuine choice when engaging with diverse international partners.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880299147786247/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.