In a high-level diplomatic engagement in Moscow on Tuesday, Russia and Mozambique reaffirmed their long-standing defence partnership, underscoring a shared commitment to regional security and cooperation amid rising global tensions. The meeting came during an official visit by Mozambique’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Maria Manuela Lucas, who expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine while highlighting its severe repercussions for Africa.
Speaking after bilateral talks with her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Minister Lucas commended the “resilience” of the Russian people in the face of conflict and international sanctions, while voicing her country’s desire to see an end to the war through peaceful dialogue.
“We’ve been following the situation in Ukraine closely and with deep concern,” she said. “Mozambique would very much like for this matter to be resolved in a peaceful way. The people of Ukraine and Russia deserve peace.”
Lucas also used the opportunity to draw attention to the broader implications of the conflict, particularly its impact on global food security, which has left many African nations vulnerable due to grain shortages, rising fertilizer prices, and disrupted supply chains.
“The war has negatively affected food security across Africa,” she emphasized. “We are facing real challenges that stem not from our actions, but from a conflict far from our borders.”
Her comments came a day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced another round of negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow scheduled for Wednesday. Minister Lucas expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming talks, saying she hoped they would “bring positive and successful outcomes for the sake of humanity.”
Russia’s Defence Commitment to Mozambique
The talks between Lucas and Lavrov also focused heavily on military cooperation, a central pillar of the Russia-Mozambique relationship dating back to the Cold War era. Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s commitment to supporting Mozambique’s security architecture, especially in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
“We have confirmed our readiness to consider all requests from our friends in Mozambique on issues related to the need to strengthen their defence capability and to enhance their potential in the anti-terrorist sphere,” Lavrov stated at a joint press briefing.
“Unfortunately, such threats in Mozambique—and in other African countries in general—remain a major concern,” he added, referencing the persistent jihadist insurgency in northern Mozambique that has destabilized communities and attracted international attention.
Historical Ties and Military Cooperation
Russia and Mozambique have enjoyed decades of cordial relations, dating back to the Soviet Union’s support for the Mozambican liberation movement FRELIMO in the 1960s and 70s. In recent years, the partnership has evolved into a strategic defence alliance, with Moscow offering military training, intelligence cooperation, and arms supply to the southern African nation.
In 2019, the Mozambican government controversially enlisted Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group, a private paramilitary organization with close links to the Kremlin, to help combat the Islamist insurgency in the Cabo Delgado province. Although the deployment was short-lived due to operational challenges and significant casualties, it marked a key milestone in the deepening military ties between the two nations.
According to a 2020 report by German intelligence agencies, Russia was reportedly exploring the possibility of establishing a permanent military base in Mozambique—a claim neither country officially confirmed, but one that underscored growing international scrutiny of Moscow’s activities on the continent.
Mozambique’s Balancing Act
While reaffirming defence ties with Russia, Mozambique has walked a diplomatic tightrope since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. Like many African nations, it has sought to maintain a neutral stance, avoiding direct condemnation of Russia while simultaneously calling for peace and respect for international law.
This balancing act was evident in Lucas’ remarks, as she carefully acknowledged both the geopolitical complexities of the war and its real-life consequences for African populations.
“Mozambique supports dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect between states. It is in this spirit that we approach our partnerships and international relations,” she told journalists in Moscow.
Her visit also reflects a broader trend of African countries diversifying their international alliances in a multipolar world, as Western influence is increasingly challenged by emerging global powers such as Russia and China.
Russia’s Renewed Africa Strategy
For Russia, the reaffirmation of defence ties with Mozambique forms part of a wider strategy to strengthen its footprint across Africa. Following diplomatic and military engagements in countries like the Central African Republic, Mali, Sudan, and Libya, Moscow has framed itself as an alternative partner to Western powers, often positioning its support as free from conditionalities related to governance or human rights.
During the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, President Vladimir Putin reiterated his commitment to Africa, pledging investment, grain supplies, and expanded security cooperation. Mozambique, given its strategic location and natural resource wealth, remains a vital partner in that vision.
Lavrov’s remarks in Moscow emphasized Russia’s broader goals: “Our partnership with Mozambique is built on mutual respect and shared interests. We are ready to deepen cooperation not only in defence, but also in energy, agriculture, education, and infrastructure.”
Looking Ahead
As the war in Ukraine grinds on and global geopolitics shift, Mozambique’s evolving relations with Russia will continue to draw international attention. While its people grapple with domestic challenges—ranging from terrorism to economic recovery—its leaders are seeking partners that can offer both strategic support and respect for sovereignty.
Whether the outcomes of this visit will lead to further Russian involvement in Mozambique’s security affairs remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the ties between Moscow and Maputo are not only historical but increasingly strategic in today’s complex global order.
As Africa continues to assert itself on the world stage, relationships like these will shape not only regional security dynamics but also the future of international diplomacy on the continent.
