Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Russia Confirms Military Operations in Six African Nations
Imagine Russia is like a big kid on the playground.
Because some other kids are not playing nicely with Russia because of a fight in Ukraine, Russia is trying to make new friends in Africa.
Now, Russian TV has said that Russian soldiers are in six different African countries.
These soldiers are called the 'Africa Corps' and many of them have fought in the Ukraine fight.
They say they are there to help African governments fight bad guys who cause trouble.
This is happening as Russia wants to have more power and friends in Africa.
Russian state television has confirmed military operations in six African countries.
The deployed soldiers belong to the 'Africa Corps', part of Russia's Defence Ministry.
Most soldiers are described as veterans of the conflict in Ukraine.
Russia claims its forces are aiding African governments against jihadist insurgencies.
The Africa Corps has reportedly replaced the Wagner group in some operations.
- Who
- Russian Armed Forces (Africa Corps)
- What
- Confirmation of military operations in six African countries.
- When
- Reported on Sunday, with previous mentions in June.
- Where
- Six African countries, including Mali.
- Why
- To expand political, economic, and military influence, and to assist African governments in combating jihadist insurgencies.
- Number of African countries with Russian military presence
- Six
- Unit identified
- Africa Corps (part of Russian Defence Ministry)
- Personnel
- Veterans of the 'Special Military Operation' (war in Ukraine)
- Stated purpose
- Assisting African governments in combating jihadist insurgencies
- Previous presence
- Reported in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, and Libya