What to know about Russia’s growing footprint in Africa

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Russia’s Influence Expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa:

Russia is increasing its influence in Africa, particularly in the sub-Saharan Sahel region, through military assistance and security partnerships, primarily displacing traditional Western allies like France and the United States.

Sab Saharan Africa:

Sub-Saharan Africa, Subsahara, or Non-Mediterranean Africa is the area and regions of the continent of Africa that lie south of the Sahara.
These include Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa.

Sahel region:

The Sahel region or Sahelian acacia savanna is a biogeographical region in Africa.
It is the transition zone between the more humid Sudanian savannas to its south and the drier Sahara to the north.
The Sahel has a hot semi-arid climate and stretches across the southernmost latitudes of North Africa between the Atlantic Ocean and the Red Sea.
Although geographically located in the tropics, the Sahel does not have a tropical climate.

Recent Diplomatic Efforts:

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov toured Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, and Chad.
Lavrov’s visits signify Moscow‘s intention to strengthen military cooperation with African nations.
Military Cooperation:
- Russia uses private security companies like Wagner and its potential successor, Africa Corps, to provide military support.
- Russian mercenaries assist in protecting African leaders and combating extremist groups.
- The Polish Institute of International Affairs highlighted Russia’s creation of the Africa Corps to assertively expand its military presence in Africa.
Political Dynamics:
- Russia seeks political support or neutrality from African nations regarding its invasion of Ukraine.
- African nations, forming the largest voting bloc at the United Nations, have shown divided stances on resolutions condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
- Russian-linked entities have been spreading disinformation to undermine African ties with the West, as documented by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.

Reasons for African Nations Turning to Russia:

Political unrest and dissatisfaction with former colonial powers, especially France, have led some African countries to seek new alliances.
Military coups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso ousted pro-Western governments, turning to Russia for non-interfering security assistance.
Moscow exchanges military support for access to mineral resources.

Resources and Economic Interests:

Africa’s rich mineral resources, including cobalt, lithium, gold, diamonds, and oil, are central to global economic and national security.
Russia has secured mining deals in countries with limited governance, such as gold and diamonds in the Central African Republic, cobalt in Congo, and uranium in Namibia.
Despite its growing role in the oil and mining sectors, Russia remains a minor trading partner for Africa, with less than 1% of Africa’s exports going to Russia compared to 33% to the European Union.

Russian Mercenary Operations in Africa:

Wagner’s presence in Africa began in 2017 in Sudan, supporting then-President Omar al-Bashir in exchange for gold mining concessions.
Russian contractors supported Libyan commander Khalifa Hifter and provided security in the Central African Republic in exchange for access to gold and diamond mines.
Military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, critical of the West, have expelled Western forces and invited Russian military support.
Niger’s junta recently ordered the US to withdraw its troops and close a significant military base, leading to the arrival of Russian trainers and new defence equipment.

Source: IE