On assignment in Moscow, Ahoua Don Mello , a key figure in the BRICS international alliance of strategic projects, is consolidating his position as a privileged intermediary between Russia and the African continent. Balancing economic diplomacy with political ambitions, the former Ivorian minister is establishing himself as a promoter of a new multipolar world order.

A strategic rise within Russian influence

A former Minister of Equipment under Laurent Gbagbo and former director of BNETD, Don Mello has managed to transform his political exile into a lever of international influence. His recent career demonstrates a deep integration into Moscow's power circles.

1. 2021: Becomes special advisor to the Russian business community for investments in Africa.
2. December 2023: Appointed Vice-President of the BRICS International Alliance for Strategic Projects.
3. September 2025: High-level meetings at the Kremlin with close associates of Vladimir Putin to stimulate African industrialization.

The "Marshall Plan": His vision for the Sahel

At the heart of his argument, Don Mello advocates a structural approach to security. At the BRICS+ anti-terrorism conference in December 2025, he called for the creation of a "Marshall Plan for Africa" .

Funded by the New Development Bank , this initiative would aim to stabilize the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) not by force of arms, but by economic development and institutional strengthening.

A stance that divides Ivory Coast

Ahoua Don Mello's role is not universally accepted. While he has positioned himself as a sovereignist candidate for the 2025 Ivorian presidential election, his pro-Russian activism paints two contrasting portraits:

Perspective: Viewpoint of supporters; Criticism of observers
Ideology	Pan-Africanism and sovereignty.	Kremlin influence relay.
Geopolitics	Diversification of partners is necessary.	A risky break with Western allies.
Objective	Emancipation through a multipolar world.	Influence strategy (underlined by disinfo.africa ).

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Pragmatism as a line of defense

Faced with accusations of dependence on Moscow, Don Mello offers a dispassionate analysis of international relations. For him, Russia represents an opportunity for partnership without any ambition for territorial domination or predatory exploitation.

"The emergence of a multipolar world is an opportunity for Africa to choose its allies according to its own interests."

By multiplying his trips under the BRICS banner — including to sensitive areas like Abkhazia — Ahoua Don Mello continues to defy traditional diplomatic codes, establishing himself as the face of African version "Realpolitik".