After years of relying on mercenary groups, Russia is now openly increasing its military presence in Africa through a state-controlled paramilitary force called Africa Corps. This marks a strategic shift as Russia seeks to strengthen its influence, especially in francophone West Africa, where France’s dominance is waning.
Africa Corps, believed to be overseen by the Russian defense ministry, is stepping in to fill the void left by Wagner Group—the infamous mercenary outfit founded by the late Yevgeny Prigozhin. Wagner abruptly withdrew from Mali in early June, following Prigozhin’s death in a 2023 plane crash and his earlier failed rebellion against Moscow.
Nicholas Chkhaidze, a security expert based in Tbilisi, told AFP, “Russia is moving from covert proxy operations to openly managed state influence in Africa.”
The force is expanding its role in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—countries ruled by military juntas that have distanced themselves from France and grown closer to Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Moscow’s intent to deepen cooperation with African nations, including in defense and security sectors.
Wagner was notorious for brutal tactics condemned by human rights groups. After Prigozhin’s death, Russia’s defense ministry began absorbing Wagner’s units and winding down its activities. According to the RAND Corporation, Russian mercenaries operate not only in Mali but also in Burkina Faso, Libya, Niger, Sudan, and the Central African Republic (CAR).
Christopher Faulkner from the US Naval War College described the transition as both practical and symbolic, showing Russia’s comfort with a formal military presence in the region.
The CAR remains Wagner’s last stronghold in Africa, but efforts are underway to replace its presence there with Africa Corps, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
Beverly Ochieng, an Africa analyst, said, “The Kremlin sees the Sahel as a key region to project power and counter Western influence. They will continue to supply Africa Corps with weapons and equipment.”
However, the shift to a more overt Russian presence carries risks. The Institute for the Study of War warns that Moscow might become entangled in protracted conflicts to protect its reputation, unlike Wagner, which withdrew abruptly when interests no longer aligned.
Despite the transition, analysts expect the harsh tactics of Russian paramilitary groups to persist. “Africa Corps may appear more professional, but violent counterinsurgency methods like massacres and collective punishment are deeply ingrained,” said Chkhaidze.
Many Africa Corps members are former Wagner fighters, including convicts with combat experience in Ukraine, according to RAND.
A recent investigative report revealed that Wagner forces in Mali kidnapped, tortured, and detained hundreds of civilians over three years, using waterboarding, electric beatings, and cigarette burns.
Bakary Sambe, director of the Timbuktu Institute in Dakar, noted, “For Malians, this is just a name change—no improvement in one of the worst security crises in a decade.”
