Moscow: The Kremlin announced plans to deepen its engagement with African nations, including in sensitive sectors such as defense and security, signaling a broader strategic push across the continent.
This development follows the departure of the Wagner Group from Mali, where it had been supporting the country’s military junta in its ongoing battle against militant insurgents. Despite Wagner’s withdrawal, the Russia-backed Africa Corps has confirmed it will maintain its presence in the West African nation.
Speaking on Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia's involvement in Africa is expanding, with a strong emphasis on boosting economic and investment partnerships. "This cooperation also covers critical areas like defense and security," Peskov said. "Russia will continue to work closely with African nations on these fronts."
Moscow's increasing role in African security matters—especially in countries such as Mali, the Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea—has raised alarms in Western capitals, as Russia’s influence grows while that of France and the United States diminishes.
The Africa Corps, a paramilitary unit operating under the Russian Defense Ministry, emerged in the wake of a failed rebellion by Wagner leaders Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin against Russia’s military hierarchy in June 2023. Both men died in a plane crash two months later.
According to information from Telegram channels associated with Russian mercenaries a significant majority—between 70 and 80 percent—of Africa Corps personnel are former Wagner operatives.
