The Kremlin announced Monday that Russia aims to deepen ties with African nations, including in “sensitive areas” such as defence and security.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s presence on the continent is expanding, with a focus on boosting economic, investment, and military cooperation. “This also extends to such sensitive areas as defence and security,” Peskov said.
The statement follows the withdrawal of the Wagner Group from Mali. Despite Wagner’s exit, the Kremlin-backed Africa Corps — a new paramilitary force — will remain active there. Formed after Wagner’s failed 2023 mutiny, the Africa Corps is believed to be made up largely of ex-Wagner fighters.
Russia’s growing footprint in countries like Mali, the Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea has raised concerns in the West, which sees Moscow’s influence displacing that of France and the U.S.