Russian state television has revealed that the Russian army is currently operating in six African countries, marking a rare official acknowledgment of Moscow’s military presence on the continent. While Mali is the only specified country, reports indicate Russian troops or military instructors are also deployed in Burkina Faso, Niger, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, and Libya.
These forces belong to the African Corps, a unit within the Russian Defense Ministry that replaced the Wagner paramilitary group after its disbandment following the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023. Most soldiers deployed are veterans of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
Footage from the deployment includes Russian bombers, helicopters, armored vehicles, and a base displaying a flag resembling Wagner’s skull insignia. Moscow asserts that its forces are assisting African governments in combating jihadist insurgencies. This expansion reflects Russia’s broader strategic aim to increase its political, economic, and military influence in Africa amidst Western isolation.The Wagner group was disbanded and restructured after its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, died in a mysterious plane crash in August 2023 following a brief mutiny against Moscow.
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