Kathrine Frich
Russia’s military footprint in Africa has expanded sharply as Moscow looks for new alliances after its isolation in the West.
Recent Russian state media reports confirm that regular troops are now active across six countries on the continent.
This presence is managed through the Ministry of Defense and its Africa Corps, which has replaced the Wagner Group’s former operations
Growing Russian reach
According to AFP, Rossia 1 reported that “officers and soldiers of the Russian armed forces are already operating in six African countries.”
The correspondent did not list them all, but the report was filmed in Mali.
RT France, the French-language arm of RT, separately mentioned “several African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Equatorial Guinea.”
Diplomatic sources cited by AFP earlier pointed to additional deployments in the Central African Republic and Libya.
Russian officials say these deployments are part of security cooperation agreements and target militant groups in the region.
Mali
Mali is the clearest example of Russia’s expanded involvement.
Footage broadcast by Rossia 1 showed Russian troops on the ground and highlighted their cooperation with the Malian authorities.
A soldier interviewed by RT said: “The military of the Ministry of Defense, and especially those of the Africa Corps, always and everywhere defend the interests of Russia.”
Russian military instructors and equipment have been present in Mali for several years, replacing former Western security support.
Burkina Faso
RT France listed Burkina Faso as one of the countries now hosting Russian forces.
The government in Ouagadougou has strengthened ties with Moscow as it seeks outside help in fighting jihadist movements.
Local authorities have publicly welcomed increased Russian engagement.
Reports from the region indicate that Africa Corps units have replaced Wagner personnel previously active in the country.
Niger
Niger is another state identified by RT France as receiving Russian military assistance.
The shift comes during a period of political upheaval and rising tensions with Western partners.
Russian involvement has grown as the ruling authorities search for new security arrangements.
AFP noted that information about Russian military activity in Niger has circulated since early 2024.
Equatorial Guinea
RT France also included Equatorial Guinea in its reporting.
Russian military figures have appeared at security and defense events in the country, suggesting a growing partnership.
The extent of the deployment has not been officially detailed.
Moscow says its forces across the region help governments counter extremist threats.
Central African Republic
AFP has long reported that Russian troops and advisers are active in the Central African Republic.
They were previously associated with Wagner structures, but diplomatic sources told AFP that Africa Corps has taken over these operations.
Images published by Russian channels show equipment such as helicopters and armored vehicles in use by Russian personnel.
The country remains one of Moscow’s most established African footholds.
Libya
Reports cited by AFP also indicate Russian military presence in Libya.
Russian units have been connected to support roles for local factions and to strategic positions along the country’s front lines.
Moscow’s activities have shifted from Wagner to formal Ministry of Defense oversight.
The deployments form part of Russia’s broader strategy to regain influence in the Mediterranean and Sahel regions.
Consolidating influence
In June, AFP reported that the Africa Corps formally assumed control of Wagner’s network following the group’s collapse after the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023.
Russian state television has since displayed coordinated operations, including air strikes and ground maneuvers.
The broadcasts described the deployed soldiers as “veterans of the special military operation,” referencing Moscow’s terminology for its war in Ukraine.
Russian officials say these missions support African governments in countering insurgency movements and strengthen bilateral ties.
