Africa Corps: Russia’s new paramilitary force replacing Wagner in Mali
The Africa Corps, a shadowy Russian paramilitary unit, has recently faced a significant setback in the Sahel. Rebel forces, including Islamist factions and Touareg separatists, seized the strategic city of Kidal—a stronghold controlled by the group for years. Though the militants have withdrawn, Moscow’s influence in the region remains intact.
The abrupt retreat from Kidal marks a turning point in the group’s operations across West Africa. Since its establishment in late 2023, Africa Corps has emerged as a key player in Russia’s military strategy, inheriting some of Wagner Group’s former strongholds and operations. Unlike its predecessor, however, this new force operates with greater discretion, avoiding the controversies that plagued Wagner.
From Wagner to Africa Corps: a shift in strategy
The transition from Wagner to Africa Corps reflects Moscow’s evolving approach to African engagements. Following the mysterious deaths of Wagner’s founders, Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitri Utkin, in August 2023, the Kremlin sought a more centralized and disciplined force. Africa Corps, now directly supervised by Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunous-bek Evkurov, fits this model.
Analysts describe Africa Corps as a more rigid and state-controlled alternative to Wagner, designed to expand Russia’s footprint in Africa without the negative publicity tied to its predecessor. While Wagner was often linked to human rights abuses and brutal tactics, Africa Corps presents itself as a cleaner, more professional military partner for African governments.
A name steeped in historical symbolism
The choice of name, Africa Corps, is no coincidence. It mirrors the infamous Afrikakorps, a German armored unit from World War II led by Erwin Rommel that operated in North Africa. By adopting this title, Moscow signals its long-term ambitions in the region, where it aims to challenge Western influence and secure strategic resources.
Clear objectives: sovereignty and resource control
Africa Corps’ stated goals align with Moscow’s broader geopolitical strategy. According to military analyst Igor Korotchenko, the group’s mission is to conduct large-scale military operations across Africa, helping allied governments break free from neocolonial dependence, expel Western military presence, and assert full sovereignty. This includes securing mineral-rich territories and stabilizing regimes favorable to Russia.
The group’s expansion has been rapid. Since 2024, Africa Corps has established a strong presence in the Mali, deploying hundreds—possibly thousands—of fighters. Many former Wagner commanders and troops have defected to the new force, reinforcing its ranks. The group’s influence now extends beyond Mali into the Central African Republic, Libya, Sudan, Niger, and the Burkina Faso.
A controversial footprint
Despite its more subdued public image, Africa Corps has not escaped international scrutiny. In 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the group, accusing it of widespread human rights violations and the exploitation of African nations’ natural resources for personal gain. These allegations echo the criticisms once directed at Wagner, though Africa Corps has so far avoided the same level of condemnation.
The group’s operations in Mali have been particularly critical. Working closely with the junta in Bamako, Africa Corps has played a crucial role in countering Touareg rebellions and jihadist insurgencies. This partnership has allowed Moscow to fill the vacuum left by the withdrawal of Western forces, including France, while also gaining leverage over regional migration routes and mineral deposits.
What’s next for Africa Corps?
The recent loss of Kidal is a blow to Africa Corps’ credibility, but it is unlikely to derail Moscow’s broader ambitions in the Sahel. The group remains a vital tool for Russia’s influence in Africa, offering military support, training, and equipment to allied governments. As Western powers continue to reduce their engagement in the region, Africa Corps is poised to deepen its roots, ensuring Russia’s presence endures for years to come.
