Business Insider Africa published on 18 October 2025 an article titled "Russia Caught in Diplomatic Tightrope between Two North African Superpowers" by Olamilekan Okebiorun.
Russia has strong military relations with Algeria but has signaled support for Morocco's Sahara Autonomy Plan, a move that could strain relations with Algiers.
Al-Estiklal published on 29 August 2025 an article titled "Sahel States and Russia Establish Strategic Partnership: Messages and Objectives."
In mid-August, Russia invited the defense ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to Moscow to discuss strengthening security ties. Russia reportedly is prepared to provide comprehensive support to these countries as they battle terrorist threats and armed groups. The meeting also signaled the transfer of security support from Russia's Wagner Group to its Africa Corps replacement.
The Royal United Service Institute for Defence and Security Studies posted on 27 March 2024 a commentary titled "A Mixed Picture: How Mali Views the Wagner Group" by Antonio Giustozzi.
The Wagner Group continues to operate in Mali in spite of the death of its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in Russia. The Wagner Group has done little to defeat jihadi groups in Mali and may even have presided over a deterioration in the security situation. On the other hand, it has kept the military regime in power.
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