(Debate): Russian Military Presence in Africa

Should the African Union stop the increasing military Russian involvement in Africa? In addition to arms sales, security agreements and training programs for unstable countries or autocratic leaders, Russia is moving toward establishing military bases in Africa. According to the New York Times, last Spring, five sub-Saharan African countries (Mali, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mauritania) appealed to Russia to hep their overtaxed militaries and security services combat the Islamic State and Al Quaeda. Russia is also getting some mining rights in exchange for military aids.

As the Ambassador of your country (CAMEROON) to the African Governments and Politics Class, you are asked to draft a one-page (double space) position paper to evaluate the pros and cons of the Russian military presence in Africa and take a stand on the question whether the African Union should approve a resolution to condemn Russia for its military involvement in Africa. What else your country wants to recommend? Please be prepared to debate this issue in class on September 16, 2019 @ 9 AM.