In a bid to strengthen ties with African leaders amid the ongoing international tensions over the Ukraine invasion, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a notable gesture by offering a presidential helicopter to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The announcement was made on Thursday during the two-day Russia-Africa summit held in St Petersburg.
The Zimbabwean Ministry of Information took to social media to share the news of President Putin’s offer. They posted photos of President Mnangagwa descending the helicopter’s steps and sitting inside the cabin, with a table set before him featuring glasses of white wine and a bowl of fruit.
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana, referring to the helicopter as “this bird,” expressed excitement about its imminent presence in Zimbabwe’s skies.
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President Mnangagwa’s leadership has been under scrutiny due to allegations of corruption and human rights violations, resulting in American and European sanctions against Zimbabwe.
Ahead of a closely-watched election next month, the 80-year-old president has attributed his country’s economic challenges to these sanctions. In response to the offer, President Mnangagwa stressed the importance of cooperation, urging the victims of sanctions to come together for the nation’s progress.
Furthermore, in a separate move, President Putin named Zimbabwe as one of six African countries that will receive free grain from Russia. This decision came after the Kremlin’s withdrawal from an agreement that allowed Ukrainian grain exports to transit through the Black Sea.
As the Russia-Africa summit continues, many are closely observing the outcomes to gauge Russia’s standing and influence on the continent. The helicopter offer and the grain assistance to Zimbabwe are seen as part of Putin’s efforts to gain support and bolster partnerships in Africa.
