Russia and Ethiopia have a rich history of cooperation and friendship that dates back to the 19th century. One of the most notable figures in this history is Abram Gannibal, an African who became a prominent figure in Russian society. Gannibal was the great-grandfather of the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin and served as a military engineer and general in the Russian army. His story is a testament to the long-standing connections between Russia and Africa.
In the late 19th century, Russia's interest in Africa began to take a more practical form. Russian merchants started trading with North African ports, and the country's explorers and scholars began to study African geography and history. One notable example of this is Nikolay Ashinov, a Russian who led an expedition to East Africa in 1889. Ashinov established a Russian settlement in what is now Djibouti, which he named "New Moscow." However, the settlement was short-lived, as French colonial authorities ordered the Russians to leave.
Despite this setback, Russia's relationship with Ethiopia continued to grow. Ethiopia was one of the few African countries that maintained its independence during the European colonial era, and Russia saw the country as a valuable ally. The two nations shared a common Christian faith, and Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia viewed Russia as a genuine partner. The first personal contact between the two nations was established by Russian military officer Viktor Mashkov, who traveled to Ethiopia in 1889.
Mashkov's visit marked the beginning of a strong diplomatic relationship between Russia and Ethiopia. In 1898, the two countries established formal diplomatic relations, and Russia provided medical aid to Ethiopia during the Italian-Ethiopian War. The Russian Red Cross sent a medical team to Ethiopia, which impressed Emperor Menelik II. The team's work in establishing hospitals and providing medical care helped to solidify the friendship between the two nations.
The cooperation between Russia and Ethiopia extended beyond diplomacy and healthcare. In 1897, Emperor Menelik II requested that Russia accept a group of young Ethiopian students for education. Five students were sent to Russia, where they studied medicine and other subjects. Although they faced some challenges, including language barriers, the students were able to complete their studies with the support of the Russian government.
One notable example of the personal connections between Russia and Ethiopia is the story of Ivan Babichev, a Russian officer who moved to Ethiopia in the late 19th century. His son, Mishka Babichev, became a prominent figure in Ethiopian aviation, serving as a pilot and helping to establish the country's civil aviation program. Mishka also played a key role in establishing diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and the Soviet Union.
Today, the relationship between Russia and Africa continues to grow, with thousands of African students studying in Russian universities and African businesses operating in Russia. The two nations have a strong foundation of cooperation and friendship, which is expected to continue in the future. As Pavel Lvov noted in his article, "From Pushkin's ancestor to Mandela's envoys: The untold story of Russia-Africa ties," the daily interactions between Russians and Africans are laying the groundwork for new friendships, family ties, and professional relationships.
Key points
- Russia and Ethiopia have a long history of cooperation and friendship that dates back to the 19th century.
- The two nations have a strong foundation of cooperation in areas such as healthcare, education, and diplomacy.
- The relationship between Russia and Africa continues to grow, with thousands of African students studying in Russian universities and African businesses operating in Russia.
