The African continent has become a key direction for Russian geopolitical and economic expansion. According to Andriy Yermak, a representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Moscow is using the region to solve several strategic tasks at once: from bypassing Western sanctions to recruiting manpower for the war in Ukraine.
A Bank of Votes and the Illusion of Multipolarity
The importance of Africa for the Kremlin is due, first and foremost, to political factors. The continent unites more than 50 UN member states. For Russia, this represents a huge "bank of votes," allowing it to create loyal blocs on the international stage. With the help of these countries, Moscow tries to create the illusion that it remains an influential world power and to promote the narrative of a "multipolar world".
Colonial Exploitation of Resources
Aside from politics, Russia is actively extracting valuable natural resources. The Kremlin's interest is focused on gold, diamonds, uranium, and oil, especially in the resource-rich Sahel region. However, as Yermak notes, the methods of extraction resemble the actions of colonial exploiters in the worst sense of the word, often leading to environmental disasters.
A striking example of such activity is Sudan. There, Russian specialists, engaged in gold mining, polluted water resources with mercury, causing serious damage to the environment and the health of the local population.
Technological Bypass of Sanctions
Africa is also used as a transit hub for smuggling. Moscow is looking for ways to bypass international sanctions to support its economy and obtain the necessary technologies for weapons production. Goods that would otherwise be unavailable to Russian industry are being moved through African countries.
Mercenary Recruitment: Deception and "Meat Attacks"
One of the darkest aspects of Russia's presence in the region is mercenary recruitment. Africa is viewed by the Kremlin as a source of the cheapest labor for the war against Ukraine. Recruitment is being carried out among civilians from almost 40 African states.
According to Yermak, the process is often built on deception. Local residents are promised legal work and good conditions, but upon arrival in Russia, they are sent on "meat attacks" to hot spots. The GUR of Ukraine has already recorded numerous cases of death of citizens of African countries on the front lines.
Propaganda Under the Mask of Culture
To implement a large-scale recruitment campaign, Moscow attracts not only intermediaries but also uses diplomatic missions and cultural centers. In particular, a so-called "Russian House" was opened in the Republic of Togo, which is officially positioned as a cultural center.
However, behind the facade of humanitarian activity lies something else: the spread of Russian propaganda, disinformation, and active recruitment of local residents into the ranks of the occupation forces. Thus, cultural initiatives become a tool of aggressive foreign policy.