This change is particularly noteworthy in the context of the Alliance of Sahel States, a coalition formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The alliance’s formation followed a series of visits to these countries by Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, signaling Russia's deepening engagement in the region.
Russia's push to consolidate its influence in West Africa comes as the region faces a strategic vacuum following military coups in Mali in 2020, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in 2023.
Yevkurov's visits to Mali and Burkina Faso in September and his recent trip to Niger in early December culminated in enhanced military cooperation with Niger.
The ISW analysis points to the Kremlin's use of the so-called Africa Corps, a formation under the control of the Russian Defense Ministry, and the Africa Initiative, a media outlet employing former Wagner Group mercenaries, as key instruments in expanding its influence.
The Russian government is also reportedly setting up structures to assume control of Wagner’s existing assets in Africa.
The rivalry between the Russian Defense Ministry and the Wagner Group, a private military company, is playing out across Africa. With the Africa Corps expected to expand its operations in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, it aims to counterbalance the Wagnerites, who maintain a significant presence in the Central African Republic.
The New York Times has estimated the number of Russian mercenaries in the country at around 1,000.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP, ISW
