Mandela statue unveiled in Moscow

A new statue has been unveiled in Moscow of former President Nelson Mandela. It is the work of Mikhail Baskakov, who has made several bronze works for Russian Governments. News24 reports that officials said the statue is intended to show the continued close relationship between Russia and SA, and Russia's respect for Mandela's legacy. The statue is located in the capital about 10km south-east of the Kremlin. ‘We increasingly understand and realise that Africa is becoming a strategic partner of Russia because we have common tasks, common goals to create a freer, fairer and more merciful world,’ said Irina Abramova, the director of the Institute of African Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences.