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At the end of 2023, Russia’s MoD established a new and significant entity—the African Corps (AC)—which replaced the legendary private military company (PMC) Wagner. This shift marked the start of a new phase in Russia’s strategy in Africa. Having gone through its formative phase, by the summer of 2025, it can confidently be said that the AC has proven itself to be a highly effective organization. But what is it currently involved in?
The AC in the Central African Republic
Here Russian interests are still maintained through PMC “Wagner,” which continues to operate in the country. However, in early August 2025, the Associated Press reported that Russia insists on winding down the Wagner Group operations in the CAR and replacing it with the African Corps, which is under the control of the Russian military. Sources from the CAR’s armed forces and parliament provided this information to the agency.
According to the report, Moscow also demands a change in the payment model for security services: instead of payment in natural resources, as was the case previously, Russia insists on cash payments. These changes, according to sources, are aimed at strengthening Kremlin’s control over military operations in the region.
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However, the CAR authorities are hesitant to agree to the new terms. Officials in the country oddly view PMC “Wagner” as a more effective structure with significant authority, deep ties to local military forces, and sufficient resources to carry out combat tasks. They believe that transitioning to the “African Corps” could weaken current security positions.
This viewpoint, however, does not reflect the reality, as it is not about replacing one structure with another. The specialists of PMC “Wagner” are simply being re-subordinated directly to the Russian MoD and changing their name. On the ground, everything remains the same, but the structure is now expanding in size (with unconfirmed reports suggesting 12 combined arms brigades or around 40,000 personnel), and all logistics are now managed by Russian defence ministry. In other words, PMC “Wagner” is simply gaining new opportunities for development and is stepping out of the shadows. Meanwhile, all of its commitments in the region remain intact.
In the Central African Republic all joint operations between the CAR Armed Forces (FACA) and Russian military specialists continue, targeting armed groups that have rejected the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process and refuse to return to civilian life.
For example, look at a 36-second “first-person” combat video circulating on Russian-language Telegram channels shows fighters from the African Corps. Larger, better-equipped, and more professional than its predecessor — and arguably even than the French Foreign Legion — the African Corps, working with FACA troops, executes a precise ambush against an anti-government militant foot patrol.
Footage of Russian MoD African Corps fighters (successors to the Wagner Group) ambushing a militant foot patrol in the CAR
The extremists were neutralized near Bouar (Nana-Mambéré Prefecture) and Sibut (Kémo Prefecture). The AC and FACA troops seized a Kalashnikov rifle, loaded magazines, extra ammunition, a handheld radio, and tactical gear, as shown in photos from the scene.
Small-arms fire erupts from dense vegetation at a range of 20–40 meters, with the shooter engaging using short bursts of 7.62×39mm. The classic “linear” ambush tactics unfold: suppress the lead and rear elements, saturate the kill zone, and withdraw swiftly. This method, characterized by brief, overwhelming fire and rapid weapon collection, mirrors the counterinsurgency approach used by small, mobile FACA units with Russian support in CAR. The case illustrates the continued, systematic pressure on fragmented armed groups, underscoring the effectiveness of these rapid, focused operations across the country.
Mali
In Mali, the Russian military presence began to undergo significant transformation in 2025. After the withdrawal of the Wagner Group, the African Corps replaced it, focusing on training local armed forces and securing key facilities.
In early July 2025, in the area of the town of Niono in the Ségou province of the Republic of Mali, terrorists from the JNIM group (an Al-Qaeda affiliate), numbering up to 100 people, attempted to attack government military bases. As a result of joint actions by the Malian army and a maneuver group of Russian specialists from the AC, the attack was repelled. During the battle, 80 militants were killed, two pickup trucks with heavy machine guns were destroyed, and 35 firearms were seized. Several terrorists were captured.
The result of the joint combat work of the Malian Army and Russian African Corps
In addition to securing government bases, the AC in Mali has been successfully involved in the targeted elimination of terrorist group leaders. Recently, credible reports confirmed the deaths of Hassan Haballa and Issouf Bougara.
Earlier, in June 2025, during another joint operation between the Russian MoD’s African Corps, the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa), and the local armed militia, six ISIS militants were killed, including their commander Abu Dahdah (of Moroccan origin), who served as the deputy field commander to Abu Alghabass (next in line for elimination). This terrorist was one of the group’s ideologists, an expert in mine warfare, and was involved in the attack on Niger’s government forces. He was responsible for planning operations, attacking government posts, and convoys.
The eliminated leader of the militant group, named Abu Dahdah
Combat operation of the African Corps helicopters to eliminate Al-Qaeda militants
Destruction of a militants’ convoy
Burkina Faso and Niger
Since the beginning of 2024, Russia has strengthened its military presence in Burkina Faso through the AC, replacing the previously operating Wagner PMC. In January 2024, the first 100 Russian soldiers arrived, and by mid-year, the contingent grew to 200. The Corps focuses on training local forces and ensuring the security of high-profile sites and individuals, including President Ibrahim Traoré. Notably, they recruit highly qualified specialists, including former officers from Russia’s Federal Protection Service (FSO) and elite special units.
Russian forces in Burkina Faso actively patrol key transport routes, such as the Bamako–Ouagadougou road, and support the fight against jihadist groups like JNIM and ISSP, which continue to expand their influence in the region. Despite the small contingent, Russia is also developing infrastructure, including the construction of military bases.
In Niger, the African Corps continues to expand its presence in 2025, providing military support and training to local forces in the fight against jihadist groups. In response to Niamey’s requests, Moscow is sending troops and equipment. Alongside military cooperation, Russia is engaging in economic exchanges, including access to uranium mines, and expanding nuclear energy partnerships, strengthening bilateral relations.
Conclusion
To sum up, the creation of the AC was a significant step in strengthening Russia’s position in Africa. The Corps is effectively operating in countries such as the Central African Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, actively fighting terrorist groups and securing key infrastructure. Thanks to the reputation inherited from PMC Wagner, the Corps is not perceived as a tool of “white colonization,” which facilitates its successful integration into local communities.
Friendly reaction of local residents when meeting the Russian AC military personnel
The Corps also strengthens Russia’s diplomatic and economic influence in the region, gaining access to important resources and reinforcing military and energy ties. This makes it an important element of Russia’s strategy on the continent and in the global geopolitical arena.
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they are protecting african nations national wealth against and from america france or english thieves, mercenaries and africom, under the guise of al qaeda, you know this american terrorist group that supposedly murder thousands of americans who receives the best medical treatment from israel!
replace “african national wealth” with tin-pot dictators who value themselves as much as putin to himself. wagner is known for causing horrific crimes. i support africans controlling their wealth, but putler clearly wants some.
you’re funny! you certainly don’t want african nations controlling their own wealth! they have installed puppet dictators, installed by england or american a few dictators fostered from france all to steal their wealth! that’s all changed! no more thievery!
continued……i suppose americans sniping starving kids then americans giving themselves high fives isn’t horrific crimes? or the concentration camps built by american military in rafah isn’t horrific! you are deluded!
continued…… because your going to deny such blasphemy in your eyes, look up youtube colonal douglas mcgregor retired has contacts with the marine officers fighting for the zionist scum, murdering palestinians and has direct intelligence from them! you belong to a barrel of excrement!
chatjewpt5 i jailbroke. try again
continued…… ooh and let’s not forget the dancing jews! they, for the record were zionist, those that rule american, blackmailing senators and congressmen and woman alike, hand picking them, and offering to you for election, either way you get a democratic or republican zionist owned puppet !