DAKAR, Senegal — Despite its ongoing military engagement in Ukraine, Russia is broadening its reach in Africa by supplying advanced weaponry to conflict zones in sub-Saharan Africa. The Kremlin is maneuvering around Western sanctions, shipping tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery via cargo ships to West Africa, as observed through satellite imagery and radio signals. A convoy of Russian-flagged ships completed a nearly month-long voyage from the Baltic Sea carrying these military supplies, as confirmed by European military officials tracking the journey. This move is poised to strengthen Russia’s nascent Africa Corps, positioning Moscow in competition with the U.S., Europe, and China for influence on the African continent.
The Africa Corps, established two years ago and linked to a clandestine division of Russia’s military, is rising in prominence as U.S. and European forces withdraw from the area, driven by African nations seeking security arrangements with Russia. Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have been entangled in battles against extremists associated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State for over ten years. Initially, mercenary alliances with indirect Kremlin associations entered the African conflict landscape. However, Russia is now deploying its military power and intelligence more openly.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “We aim to enhance our cooperation with African countries across various sectors, with a focus on economic and investment partnerships. This includes sensitive areas related to defense and security.” Following deliveries at ports, Russian arms are transported to Mali. Ships like Russia’s 8,800-ton Baltic Leader and 5,800-ton Patria, among others sanctioned by the West to restrict resources for Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, recently docked in Conakry, Guinea. Additional deliveries occurred earlier this year, wherein cargo of tanks and armored vehicles was moved overland to Mali, supported by European military insights and a local blogger’s video. The authenticity of the video was confirmed, pinpointing it geolocation-wise to the RN5 highway heading to Bamako, the Malian capital.
Videos from the latest deliveries show trucks transporting Russian-made hardware, including howitzers and other military equipment, heading toward Mali. Malian broadcaster ORTM broadcast that the nation’s army received new military resources. Analysis of the footage revealed a range of Russian equipment, such as 152 mm artillery guns. Furthermore, armored troop carriers equipped with radio-jamming systems, alongside Spartak armored vehicles, were identified as part of the transport. The shipment also included small boats and tanker trucks marked in Russian.
Military officials speculate that Russia’s most potent assets—particularly artillery and jamming tools—are earmarked for its Africa Corps rather than local Malian forces. Satellite images have detected at least one Su-24 fighter-bomber spotted at a Bamako air base lately, suggesting that Africa Corps also possesses aerial power. Russia’s notorious covert unit has a hand in these operations. Historically, French forces supported counterinsurgency operations in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, but withdrew following recent coups. Russian mercenaries, notably the Wagner Group, filled the void, extending their influence since their Sudan debut in 2017. Despite their reputation for extreme measures and human rights violations, most Russian military contractor activities in Africa are attributed to Wagner.
After a period of internal upheaval culminating in mutiny and its leader’s suspicious demise in 2023, Russia’s stance in Africa became more centralized under Kremlin control with the formation of the Africa Corps. Supervised by the commander of Unit 29155, a particularly clandestine branch of Russian intelligence linked to global covert actions, the operations are now orchestrated from Moscow. The EU imposed sanctions on Maj. Gen. Andrey Averyanov in December for leading these operations, pointing out that Russian interventions often support military juntas which undermine democratic stability and security in the region. The Ministry of Defense in Russia withheld comments on Averyanov’s activities within the Africa Corps.
Meanwhile, Africa Corps is consolidating its resources and extending its influence by offering substantial financial incentives and land allocations to potential recruits. This recruitment strategy has expedited its rise over Wagner, attracting former loyalists. Shortly after a new shipment of equipment, Wagner announced its exit from Mali. Africa Corps, however, proclaimed its continuing presence, potentially signaling a shift in regional power dynamics. According to Julia Stanyard, a research specialist in Russian mercenary activity, such shifts, marked by sophisticated military equipment imports, indicate a significant transition.
Despite these developments, contributing to rising tensions and challenges in the Sahel region, where insurgent attacks persistently batter security forces including Russia’s mercenaries. The arrival of advanced jamming equipment might help in countering insurgent tactics like remote detonation explosives. A recent convoy gained attention due to escort by the Russian warship Boykiy, which had previously engaged provocatively with French naval forces. Among the ships was the Siyanie Severa, which continued its passage, docking at Equatorial Guinea’s coast. Though the final destination of its cargo remains unclear, Wagner’s continuing influence in Central African Republic is notable.