African energy chief opposes Western pressure to abandon fossil fuel
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Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber NJ Ayuk criticizes the notion of wealthy countries providing handouts and development aid in the name of the energy transition.
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The Kusile Power Station in South Africa (AFP)
Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber NJ Ayuk asserted to Sptunik that Western countries urging Africa to abandon fossil fuel development are "fundamentally wrong", as African nations rely on such energy sources for economic growth and industrialization.
Ayuk criticized the notion of wealthy countries providing handouts and development aid in the name of the energy transition.
Elsewhere in his remarks, he praised Russia's understanding of Africa's desire to independently grow their energy systems and extract fossil fuels.
The Executive Chairman emphasized that Africans will not abandon fossil fuels, as they need natural gas for affordable and abundant energy to pursue economic development. It is worth noting the second Russia-Africa Summit is taking place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg from July 27-28. According to the Kremlin, the summit participants are expected to sign a number of international and bilateral documents.
Read next: The West's race for African energy is hypocritical and problematic
Russia to deliver grain to several African countries for free: Putin
In another context, Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed out, on Thursday, that Russia and African countries have managed to increase economic ties despite difficulties related to the COVID-19 pandemic and sanctions, with their mutual trade growing by almost 35% this year.
"Despite difficulties related to the coronavirus pandemic and illegal sanctions against Russia, we have managed to increase trade and economic relations [with Africa] ... over the first half of this year, trade increased by almost 35%," Putin said at a meeting with the chairman of the African Union, president of the Union of the Comoros Azali Assouman.
The Russian leader stressed that his country supports the African Union’s involvement in international associations and backs the initiative to grant Africa a seat at the G20, adding that Moscow expects such a decision to be made at the G20 summit in India in September.
Read next: African leaders gather in Russia, as attempts to isolate Moscow fail
