War on the Rocks published on 17 September 2025 a commentary titled "Russia Is Shrewdly Playing the Long Game in Africa" by Hanna Notte.
Russia's Africa Corps is methodically replacing the Wagner Group in Africa's Sahel region and is looking to expand elsewhere in West and Central Africa. Russia seeks to avoid high risk missions and focus on training of local military and law enforcement. Because of its preoccupation with the war in Ukraine, Russia is playing the long game in Africa.