Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo at the Kremlin on Wednesday, reinforcing Moscow’s growing diplomatic and economic influence in West and Central Africa.
The meeting is part of Russia’s broader strategy to deepen engagement with African nations, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and security.
During the talks, Russian metals tycoon Oleg Deripaska was present, highlighting potential economic collaborations.
Reports from Russian and Portuguese news sources suggest that Russian aluminium giant Rusal is considering investing in Guinea-Bissau, with plans to construct a railway and port while exploring bauxite reserves.
This aligns with Moscow’s push to secure valuable mineral resources across the continent.
Embalo, who has been in office since 2020, faces political turbulence at home, with opposition parties challenging the timeline for the next election.
Amid these disputes, his government has dealt with two coup attempts, the latest occurring in December 2023. Following that incident, which saw armed clashes in the capital, Embalo dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament, accusing it of inaction.
