Russia’s evolving strategy in Africa

Russia is stepping up its political and military presence in Africa using a shadowy army of mercenaries which is alleged to have helped Moscow seize parts of Ukraine and turn the tide in the Syrian war

Russian “Wagner Group” of mercenaries believed to be run by Yevgeny Prigozhin (right) –  secretive businessman known as President Vladimir Putin’s “chef” for his Kremlin catering work


CAR, Sudan
Wagner has reportedly won gold and diamond concessions

Egypt: $25 billion Russian loan to build first nuclear power plant

Eritrea: Russia plans to build logistics hub close to Chinese and U.S. bases in Djibouti

Guinea: Russia supporting bid by President Alpha Condé to scrap term limits so he can seek to stay in power after 2020

Madagascar
Russian election consultants involved in tight race for presidency

Zimbabwe
Prigozhin’s consultants advised Emmerson Mnangagwa on his disputed election win


Russia’s increasing influence comes as U.S. reduces troop numbers in Africa by 10 percent over next few years to counter threats from Russia and China in other theatres


RUSSIAN TIES WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Recent military ties
Oil and gas projects
Minerals and metals
Political influence
Nuclear power

Burkina Faso
Guinea
Sierra Leone
Ghana
Cameroon
Equatorial Guinea
Zimbabwe
Algeria
Libya 
Egypt
Niger 
Chad
Sudan
Nigeria
CAR*
Ethiopia
Gabon
DRC†
Angola
Botswana
Eritrea
Uganda
Kenya
Burundi
Madagascar
Mozambique
Eswatini


*Central African Republic 
†Democratic Republic of the Congo


Source: Bloomberg 
Picture: Associated Press
© GRAPHIC NEWS