In Africa, there is growing interest in some countries’ relations with Russia and the West to maintain cordial ties without being drawn into a new Cold War. Recently, a statue of the leaders of the Wagner Group mercenary company in Russia, Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitru Utkin, was unveiled in front of the Russian cultural center in Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic (CAR).
The ceremony, which was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Central African Army, Zephirin Mamadou, and Defense Minister Claude Rameau Bireaux, highlights Russia’s efforts to consolidate its support for the CAR, as France seeks to improve its diplomatic relations with the country, including through new cooperation agreements.
The presence of Wagner Group fighters in the CAR dates back to 2018, when President Faustin-Archange Touadéra invited them to help fight rebel groups. Since then, their numbers have grown, strengthening Russian influence in the region. CAR has become a focal point for Russian interests in Africa, with a growing deployment of security personnel in Equatorial Guinea to protect the presidency of Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
Obiang, in power since 1979 and the world’s second-longest-serving non-royal national leader, is preparing to succeed his son, Teodorín, who is currently vice president. As the country grapples with governance challenges and coup attempts, Equatorial Guinea has turned to Russia for security solutions, echoing a regional trend.
Russia’s involvement, which also extends to lucrative gold mining and arms trade markets, reflects Moscow’s broader strategy of propping up regimes that are often isolated by the West for their authoritarian practices. Putin stressed in a recent statement that Russia has never exploited African people, illustrating the Kremlin’s desire to present its actions in Africa as benevolent compared to those of the West.
Despite an increase in trade between Russia and Africa, Russia’s economic reality limits its capacity for long-term investment. Trade is mainly focused on exports such as machinery, grain, and fossil fuels, with the defense sector remaining a major pillar of this dynamic.
This Russian expansion in Africa reveals a complex political strategy, focused on obtaining diplomatic support and alliances at the international level. In search of favorable voices in various international fora, Russia is trying to consolidate its influence on the African continent through strategic partnerships and bilateral agreements.
In conclusion, Russia’s positioning in Africa presents both economic opportunities and major political implications, illustrating a complex balance between national interests, international relations and regional security.