Russia's Expansion in Africa
- Russia solidifies control over assets and connections in Africa following Yevgeny Prigozhin's death.
- Putin leverages Prigozhin's foundations for rapid expansion across the African continent.
- The completion of Russia's takeover of Wagner chief's assets marks a significant milestone in the country's influence in Africa.
On August 21, 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, made a notable social media appearance just days before his death in a jet crash. In a video, he urged potential recruits to join his mercenary group, emphasizing their mission to "make Africa more free." This message appeared to be a direct challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had labeled Prigozhin a "traitor" following his failed rebellion against the Kremlin two months prior. Prigozhin's operations in Africa, particularly in countries like Sudan, Libya, Mali, and the Central African Republic, showcased his enduring influence beyond Russian borders. On August 31, 2023, a military aircraft departed from Moscow, carrying Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-bek Yevkurov and General Andrei Averianov, a commander in Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU. Their mission was commissioned by Putin, reflecting a strategic pivot in response to previous missteps in managing Russian interests in Africa. The timing of their departure coincided with heightened concerns over the stability of Moscow's African alliances. Upon landing in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Yevkurov and Averianov sought to bolster the position of a key ally, referred to as private "IB." Their proposal included deploying Russian paramilitaries for protection and utilizing propagandists to enhance his public image. This move underscores Russia's commitment to maintaining its influence in Africa amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics.