The Battle of New Moscow was a brief military engagement that occurred in January 1889 at Sagallo, a coastal settlement in what is now Djibouti. The confrontation marked the end of Russia's only significant colonial attempt in Africa, led by the adventurer Nikola Ashinov. The settlement, called “New Moscow,” was established without official sanction from the Russian government and was swiftly dismantled by French forces.[citation needed]
In December 1888, Russian adventurer Nikolay Ivanovich Ashinovled an expedition to establish a Russian colony at Sagallo, located in present-day Djibouti. The settlement was named "New Moscow," and Ashinov intended to create a Russian presence in Africa, taking advantage of Russia's historic sympathies with Christian Abyssinia (Ethiopia). However, the colony lacked formal backing from the Russian government.[1][2]
The region was under French control, and French authorities were concerned about the Russian incursion. In January 1889, French naval forces arrived at Sagallo and issued an ultimatum. After no satisfactory response, the French opened fire on the settlement. Ashinov's party surrendered without serious resistance, and the settlement was abandoned.[1][2]
Following the incident, the Russian government disavowed Ashinov's actions, seeking to avoid conflict with France. The event marked the end of Russia's brief colonial ambitions in Africa.[1] [2]