Russia Expands African Influence Amid Wagner’s Mali Departure
In a significant move, Russia has announced plans to deepen its cooperation with African countries, focusing on economic investment and defense security. This development comes on the heels of the controversial Wagner mercenary group’s decision to leave Mali, a country where they have been actively engaged since December 2021. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized Russia’s intention to comprehensively develop its interaction with African nations, extending beyond economic ties to sensitive areas like defense and security.
The departure of Wagner from Mali has brought Russia’s role in African security under increased scrutiny. Wagner’s presence in Mali was marked by accusations of human rights abuses, and their exit follows a failed mutiny in 2023 and the mysterious death of the group’s founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin. In response, Moscow has restructured its military operations in Africa, establishing the Africa Corps, a Kremlin-controlled paramilitary force that will remain in Mali.
According to analyst Rida Lyammouri from the Morocco-based Policy Center for the New South, the vacuum left by the departure of Western states, including France and the United States, presents an opportunity for Russia to exert its influence in the region at minimal cost. "There is a void in the Sahel left by the departure of Western states… So this is an opportunity for Russia that is going to cost them basically almost nothing," Lyammouri stated.
Governments in the Sahel region have turned to Russian-controlled armed forces to combat fighters linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Despite facing heavy losses, Russian mercenaries have fought alongside Malian troops, helping to recapture northern regions from rebel groups. However, they continue to struggle against the al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Sahara.
In a notable move, Russia has been using cargo ships to send sophisticated weaponry to West African countries, including tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery, despite Western sanctions. Satellite images reviewed by the Associated Press revealed that ships carrying weapons docked and unloaded in Conakry, Guinea, in late May. Russia and China are currently the top arms suppliers to the continent.
As Russia expands its influence in Africa, it is clear that the continent has become a critical geopolitical battleground. With Western powers retreating from the region, Russia sees an opportunity to fill the void and exert its dominance. The implications of this development will be closely watched by the international community, as the balance of power in Africa continues to shift.
