Russia is quietly taking over security roles once dominated by the United States and Europe in Africa. Instead of sending official troops, Moscow relies on hired fighters, proxy militias, and security contractors to protect leaders, fight rebels, and train armies. The payoff is political influence, access to natural resources, and loyal partners in global diplomacy. For many African leaders, this is an attractive bargain. For Western powers, it represents a growing strategic loss.
Moscow’s Formula for Influence
Russia has built a system of influence that avoids the cost and visibility of official military operations. Instead, it uses private fighters and proxy militias to secure access to minerals, protect political leaders, and shape governments from behind the scenes.
The group known as Africa Corps, formed after the fall of the Wagner network, now acts as Russia’s main channel for sending these forces across the continent. The method is simple: offer
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