Kremlin expanding its influence in Africa with the help of Wagner, ISW
Russia is increasing its influence on African countries with the help of Wagner (Photo: Getty Images)
The Russian Federation persists in its efforts to interfere in unstable African nations by exploiting the actions of Wagner Group militants in the Central African Republic (CAR), according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
On December 3, a meeting took place in Niamey, the capital of Nigeria, between the Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia, Colonel-General Yunus-bek Yevkurov, and the Minister of Defense of the Nigerian junta, Lieutenant General Salifou Mody. The following day, December 4, the military leaders signed a document that aims to strengthen defense cooperation between Russia and Nigeria.
At the same time, the Institute noted that on December 4, the Nigerian military regime terminated its military collaboration with the European Union (EU), exacerbating the country's isolation following the military coup.
The ISW also noted that on September 16, Yevkurov met with the head of the Malian junta Assimy Goita, Malian Defense Minister Sadio Camara, and Salifou Mody, and on September 1, he met with the head of the Burkina Faso junta Ibrahim Traoré. After these meetings, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali signed a collective defense pact called the Alliance of Sahelian States.
"The Kremlin is likely attempting to expand Russian MoD-controlled “Africa Corps” operations in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, as well as to expand Russian information operations on the continent in part to counter Wagner operations in the CAR," the publication says.
The Institute for the Study of War also noted that the Russian Ministry of Defense has stated publicly recruiting for the "African Corps", which seeks to bring Wagner's operations in Africa under its authority, following unsuccessful attempts by the Ministry of Defense to directly hire former Wagner members.
On November 26, The New York Times reported that Wagner has a significant presence in the Central African Republic (CAR), including control of the country's largest gold mine and over 1,000 personnel. Some of those individuals reportedly work in CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera's security forces, while others occupy positions in the House of Russia cultural center located in the capital city of Bangui.
"The Kremlin is likely attempting to expand Russian MoD-controlled “Africa Corps” operations in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, as well as to expand Russian information operations on the continent in part to counter Wagner operations in the CAR," the publication says.
The activity of Wagner PMC fighters in Africa
After Yevheny Pryhozhyn's death, some of the Wagner PMC contractors were moved to Belarus. Nevertheless, some of the mercenaries later entered into agreements and departed for Africa because of insufficient funding from the Russian Federation.
In September, the Kremlin chose to relocate the majority of the Wagner Group members from Belarus to Niger, Libya, Sudan, Mali, the Central African Republic, and Mozambique. Moscow has its own colonial and geopolitical interests in all these countries, and it backs military juntas and insurgents.
The Wagner private military company reportedly maintains a significant presence throughout the African continent, according to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. After Yevgeny Prigozhin's death, Moscow assumed control of the group's operations in Africa.
On the Kupiansk front in Ukraine, Russian forces are assaulting Ukrainian positions with units consisting of ex-prisoners and Wagner PMC mercenaries.
