Russia in Africa and the Wagner Group

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, reactions on the African continent were and still are divided. Africa remains the voting block with the most abstentions at the UN-resolutions on the war.

Although being a minor economical player compared to the USA, China, or the EU, it seems that Russia is exercising an outsized degree of political influence across some parts of Africa. One key instrument of Russia’s engagement on the continent is the Wagner Group - Yevgeny Prigozhins private military company which is undermining democratic progresses, stability, as well as Western interests. How influential is Russia on the African continent? What are Wagner’s prospects and objectives in Africa after the mutiny? And what should African states and international partners do to enhance economic progress and stability?

With:

Julia Stanyard, Thierry Vircoulon, Julian Rademeyer, “The Grey Zone. Russia’s military, mercenary and criminal engagement in Africa”, Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime

Report:
https://bit.ly/3qAs8jA

Executive Summary:
https://bit.ly/44igkAl

and

Priyal Singh, “Russia-Africa relations in an age of renewed great power competition”, Institute for Security Studies

Report:
https://bit.ly/3OJYws2

Executive Summary:
https://bit.ly/47CVyhx