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Editorial: Le Monde

  • Russia has managed to establish itself on the African continent over the past decade, even expelling French and American forces from parts of the Sahel.
  • This installation was driven by the Kremlin following the annexation of Crimea and the Russian intervention in eastern Ukraine in 2014.
  • The Russian strategy started in 2017 in Sudan and the Central African Republic and continued in Sahel countries from 2020.
  • The Russian strategy is mainly based on fostering postcolonial resentment against the West and the use of Wagner militia mercenaries in the security sphere.
  • After a fallout between Vladimir Putin and Evgueni Prigojine, the head of Wagner, Russia reorganized its military action in Africa.
  • The French and American forces, which had been deployed in the Sahel, were expelled by the new juntas in power.
  • African governments under Russian influence believe they have regained their sovereignty, while Russia takes advantage of the situation to establish itself as a weapons supplier and obtain mining contracts.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Russia's influence in Africa has significantly grown over the past decade, successfully displacing Western forces, fostering postcolonial resentment, and solidifying its presence in African economy and security.