Russia is deepening its engagement with African nations, particularly in the areas of defence and security, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced Monday. He emphasized that the Kremlin aims to “comprehensively develop” relations with African states, prioritizing economic cooperation alongside sensitive sectors like military collaboration.
The announcement comes as Moscow restructures its military footprint in Africa following the dissolution of the Wagner Group’s operations in Mali. Wagner, which had deployed forces in Mali since December 2021, faced repeated accusations of human rights violations. After a failed mutiny in 2023 and the death of Wagner’s founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russia replaced Wagner with a new paramilitary unit, the Africa Corps, directly controlled by the Kremlin.
The Africa Corps will remain in Mali, where instability persists due to escalating jihadist violence. Earlier this month, the al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) killed dozens of soldiers at a Malian army base. Last July, militants also ambushed and killed numerous Wagner fighters in northern Mali. Analysts say Russia is filling a security vacuum left by the withdrawal of Western forces—including France and the United States—from the Sahel. “This is an opportunity for Russia to gain influence at a relatively low cost,” said Rida Lyammouri of the Policy Center for the New South.
Unlike in Burkina Faso and Niger, Russian forces in Mali have directly supported military campaigns alongside the Malian army, helping to reclaim territory from rebel groups. However, major setbacks continue in battles against jihadist groups such as JNIM and Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). Despite Western sanctions, Russia is reportedly using cargo vessels to deliver military equipment to West African countries. Satellite imagery obtained by the Associated Press showed Russian ships unloading tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery in Conakry, Guinea, in late May.
Russia and China remain Africa’s largest arms suppliers, as geopolitical competition over influence in the continent intensifies.
