From shadows to strategy: Russia reinvents Its military presence in the Sahel

Russia has officially transitioned its military operations in the Sahel from the shadowy Wagner Group to a state-controlled force known as Africa Corps,according to a new report by the Dakar-based Timbuktu Institute.

Following Wagner’s formal withdrawal from Mali on 6 June 2025,Africa Corps was deployed the next day by Russia’s Ministry of Defense. Fully under state control and linked to military intelligence,this move marks the end of Moscow’s “plausible deniability” and signals a more institutionalized phase of Russian engagement in Africa. Titled ‘Russia’s Repositioning in the Sahel – From Wagner to Africa Corps,’ the report highlights that Africa Corps inherits much of Wagner’s legacy — both personnel and tactics — with up to 80% of its forces being Wagner veterans. While the Africa Corps provides training,secures military regimes,and protects key infrastructure in Mali,it also inherits Wagner’s record of human rights abuses,including the 2022 Moura massacre,the report warns.

Backed by the Russian Defense Ministry and linked to military intelligence,Africa Corps represents a more structured phase of Moscow’s influence in Africa. Analysts say the Corps’ presence serves four strategic goals: shoring up military regimes,extracting natural resources,forging infrastructure partnerships,and undermining Western — particularly French — influence. Recent Russian-Malian deals on nuclear cooperation reflect this ambition. Alongside its military role,Africa Corps supports Russian information operations promoting “regional sovereignty” while attacking Western democracy narratives. Russia’s overt,long-term presence in the Sahel,the report concludes,is reshaping the region’s geopolitical landscape — with potential global consequences.