Russia’s growing footprint in Africa
Russia is emerging as the security partner of choice for an increasing number of governments in Africa, displacing traditional allies like France and the United States

Jun 3-5, 2024: Russia’s Sergey Lavrov (left) tours Africa, visiting Guinea, Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso and Chad

2022-24: Visit is sixth to Africa by Foreign Minister Lavrov since President Vladimir Putin (right) invaded Ukraine

Russian influence
Coup d'états

2017:Russian Wagner mercenaries emerge in Sudan 
2018: Wagner expands into CAR (Central African Republic), Madagascar 
2019: Mozambique and Libya. Wagner Mercenaries back warlord General Khalifa Haftar in eastern Libya.
2020-23 Kremlin supported coup d'etats in Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Sudan and Gabon 
2022-24 Kremlin has made about $2.5 billion through Africa's gold trade since invading Ukraine 

Atlantic Ocean
Guinea
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Gabon
Mali
Niger
Libya
Chad
Car
Democratic Republic of Congo
Sudan
South Sudan
Kenya
Mozambique
Zimbabwe
South Africa
Madagascar
Indian Ocean 

1,600km 
1,000 miles

Sources: Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Associated Press, Carnegie Endowment
for International Peace, London School of Economics
Pictures: Getty Images 
© GRAPHIC NEWS