(MENAFN) The enduring influence of colonial-era boundaries continues to ignite discord across Africa, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

In a recent discussion with Arab media, Lavrov contended that Western nations, particularly former colonial powers, are evading accountability for Africa’s instability by shifting blame onto Moscow.

Lavrov asserted that these historical powers have long manipulated the continent, creating arbitrary divisions that disregarded the natural distribution of ethnic communities.

“Colonizers drew straight lines across Africa, dividing territories and splitting up the places where ethnic groups lived,” he stated.

He also suggested that the very actors responsible for these divisions may now be stoking fresh unrest. “I do not rule out that those who once drew the borders with a ruler are sometimes trying to provoke new escalations,” he added.

The minister criticized what he described as unfounded efforts to portray Russia as a destabilizing force in the region.

“The point is that there is an attempt today to make baseless accusations against Russia for anything and everything, even the gravest sins,” Lavrov remarked.

He strongly dismissed allegations that Russian military personnel, particularly those affiliated with the African Corps under the Russian Defense Ministry, are aggravating conflicts on the continent.

Lavrov stressed that Russian troops maintain a non-aggressive posture toward local populations.

“Our military does not take any action against the civilian population or civilian facilities. This is well known,” he emphasized.

He cited Mali as a specific case, noting that Russian forces are present there upon the official request of the Malian government.

Addressing concerns about mounting friction between Mali and its neighbor Algeria, Lavrov attributed such strains to lingering effects of colonial-era boundary impositions.

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