Russia Builds an 'African Corps': Why the Kremlin Wants a New Army of 10,000 Mercenaries.

Moscow’s Growing Role in Africa

According to Novyny.live: Three years after the collapse of the private military company Wagner, Russia is assembling a new military force called the 'African Corps,' estimated to number between 8,000 and 10,000 personnel. This initiative aims to back military juntas in countries like Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, signaling Moscow’s continued push to expand its footprint on the continent.

Russian companies operating in Africa are not only advancing the Kremlin’s political goals but also extracting natural resources in ways that often violate environmental and safety standards. Reports indicate that Moscow is using Africa as a source of fighters for its war against Ukraine. In Sudan, for instance, Russian operations have contaminated water supplies with mercury, raising alarms among local communities and the international community.

Propaganda and Geopolitical Ambitions

Beyond military and economic activities, the Kremlin is actively promoting narratives about a 'multipolar world' to strengthen its regional influence. Africa, home to 50 UN member states, offers Moscow a strategic platform to bolster its global standing.

Andriy Chernyak notes: 'It is too early to say that Russia is losing Africa.'

This comment underscores the region’s importance to Russian foreign policy. Given Moscow’s assertive actions across Africa, it is clear that Russia is leveraging the continent to pursue its political and economic objectives.

This situation highlights Africa’s growing role in global geopolitics, where resource-rich nations increasingly attract the attention of major powers. As Russia seeks to deepen its influence, new conflicts and challenges may emerge for the international community, particularly in security and environmental domains. Monitoring these developments is crucial, as Russia’s strengthening position in Africa could have far-reaching consequences for world politics.