Russia announces its desire to strengthen its military relations with Africa

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is keen to strengthen its military ties with Africa, just days after the Russian Wagner Group announced the end of its mission in Mali.

Peskov added during a press conference on Monday that Russian-African cooperation, in addition to investments, includes sensitive areas related to defense and security.

He explained that the Russian presence in Africa continues to grow, and that Russia looks forward to strengthening its cooperation with African countries in all areas.

Last Friday, the Wagner Group announced the end of its mission in Mali, without providing any explanation for the decision, which comes amid a series of attacks by armed groups in several regions of the country.

The Russian group posted a video on its Telegram channel announcing the completion of its mission in Mali and its withdrawal after more than three years of presence in the country.

Meanwhile, the Russian Africa Corps announced its continued presence in Mali, following the Wagner’s announcement that it had concluded its mission in the country, stressing that its departure won’t bring about any changes.

“Russia isn’t backing down… On the contrary, it’s continuing its support for Bamako, now in a more substantial way, “the Russian Africa Corps posted on its Telegram channel.

This shift comes amid escalating attacks by armed groups against Malian army bases in several areas in the north and center of the country.