Russia says it will deepen ties with African countries, including in sensitive areas like defence and security.
- Russia intends to strengthen relations with African countries, focusing on defense, security, and economic collaboration.
- The Wagner Group has withdrawn from Mali, but the Kremlin-backed Africa Corps will continue operations in the West African country.
- The development aligns with Russia’s broader strategy of expanding its presence in nations like Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea, challenging Western influence.
Russia says it will deepen ties with African countries, including in sensitive areas like defence and security, the Kremlin announced on Monday.
The announcement follows the withdrawal of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organisation, from Mali, where it had been assisting the country’s military junta in its fight against Islamist militants.
However, the Kremlin-backed Africa Corps, another paramilitary outfit, said it would continue operations in the West African nation, Reuters reported.
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On its Telegram channel, the Africa Corps stated that Wagner’s departure “does not signify a loss of Russian influence,” adding, “Russia does not lose ground, but on the contrary, continues to support Bamako now at a more fundamental level,” referring to Mali’s capital city.
Experts suggest this shift may signal a change in Russia’s engagement from direct combat toward training local forces and providing equipment.
Kremlin expands footprint amid western concern
When asked about Russia’s expanding role on the continent, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: “Russia’s presence in Africa is growing. We are committed to deepening our cooperation with African countries, with a strong emphasis on economic and investment partnerships.”
“This also corresponds to and extends to such sensitive areas as defence and security. In this regard, Russia will also continue interaction and cooperation with African states.”
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Russia’s expanding security footprint in parts of Africa, including Mali, the Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea, has raised concerns in the West, often coming at the expense of French and U.S. influence on the continent.
Russia’s Africa Corps was established with backing from the Russian Defense Ministry following the failed June 2023 mutiny led by Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin and commander Dmitry Utkin, who both died in a plane crash two months later.
