AP News - Russia is displacing traditional allies
like France and the United States and is emerging as the security partner
of choice for a growing number of African governments as it seeks to grow
its influence in the restive, mineral-rich section of the continent. Moscow
has aggressively expanded its military cooperation with the nations by using the private security company Wagner and
its likely successor, Africa Corps, with Russian mercenaries
protecting African leaders and helping states fight extremists.
Russia offers security assistance without interfering in politics,
making it an appealing partner in places like Mali, Niger and
Burkina Faso, all ruled by military juntas that seized power in
recent years. Russia has taken advantage of political unrest
and discontent in coup-hit nations,
capitalizing on popular frustration and anger with former colonial
power France. Military coups have ousted governments seen as close
to the West and doing little to alleviate grinding poverty and
unemployment.In
return, Moscow seeks access to minerals and other contracts as well
as political support, or at least neutrality, over its invasion of
Ukraine. Africa is rich in
minerals, oil, and other resources, which are increasingly central
to economic and national security. African nations also make up the
largest voting bloc at the United Nations and have been more divided
than any other group on resolutions criticizing Russia’s actions in
Ukraine. |
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