Lavrov claims colonial borders feed instability in Africa
(MENAFN)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has blamed Africa's ongoing instability on the legacy of colonialism, particularly the arbitrary borders imposed by former colonial powers. In an interview with Kommersant published Monday, Lavrov argued that colonial rulers drew borders without considering the continent’s ethnic, cultural, or historical complexities, leading to lasting divisions and conflict.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has blamed Africa's ongoing instability on the legacy of colonialism, particularly the arbitrary borders imposed by former colonial powers. In an interview with Kommersant published Monday, Lavrov argued that colonial rulers drew borders without considering the continent’s ethnic, cultural, or historical complexities, leading to lasting divisions and conflict.
He pointed out that these artificial boundaries split communities and ethnic groups, creating tensions that continue to plague many African nations. Lavrov cited the Tuareg people—now divided between Algeria and Mali—as well as the Tutsi and Hutu in Rwanda as examples of this fragmentation.
Despite the problems created by these borders, Lavrov noted that the African Union has opted not to alter them, instead promoting cooperation and open borders between neighboring countries to maintain peace. “The AU wisely chose to preserve current borders for now and work toward regional cooperation and understanding,” he said.
Lavrov also spoke about the incomplete process of decolonization, stating that 17 territories worldwide are still under colonial rule. He echoed past remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who acknowledged that the decolonization process is far from over.
The Russian diplomat criticized the selective application of the UN Charter by countries that accuse Russia of violating international law, pointing out that they often ignore General Assembly resolutions advocating for full decolonization.
In February, Russia proposed designating December 14 as an International Day Against Colonialism, building on a UN resolution passed in December 2024 calling for the eradication of colonialism “in all its forms and manifestations.”
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