The Wagner Group, a controversial Russian mercenary organization, has been replaced by the “Russia’s Africa Corps” across its key strongholds in Africa. This follows the deaths of the group’s founders in a plane crash last year. New leader Anton Yelizarov confirmed the rebranding and emphasized the organization’s continued operations in Africa and Belarus. He claims the Africa Corps will serve “the interests of the Russian Federation” and fight Islamist insurgencies, starting with deploying 100 personnel to Burkina Faso. The organisation has taken over operations in Mali and Libya and seeks a base in the Central African Republic. Analysts predict further deployments across the Sahel region, with activities dependent on local contracts. Unrestricted access to transport hubs in Libya and Algeria is seen as crucial for successful operations. This move raises concerns about Russia’s growing military presence in Africa, particularly amidst ongoing insurgencies and fragile political situations. It remains to be seen how the Africa Corps will operate and the extent of its influence on the continent.
