Russian expeditionary paramilitary group controlled by the Russian government, established in 2023 after the death of Wagner Group leadership. It subsumed Wagner's operations in Africa to support Russian influence and allied governments. Operates in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Libya, Central African Republic, and also deployed in Ukraine. Focuses on military support, training, and counterterrorism.
CRIMENET has extracted 6 linkages for this organization, including 2 cooperative ties across 2 organizations, 3 conflicts across 3 organizations, 1 other connections and footprints in 7 countries.
On 24 January 2024, military personnel of Russia's Africa Corps... arrived in Burkina Faso to provide security... a military base for the Africa Corps was established in Loumbila.
By mid-2025, Africa Corps replaced Wagner group personnel in CAR.
Size: Equatorial Guinea ~200
Size: Libya ~800–1, 200
The Russian delegation headed by the Africa Corps, met in December 2025 with Madagascar’s interim president... In January 2026, Russia sent military equipment and personnel to train the Madagascar Armed Forces.
In December 2024, the Russian Ministry of Defence deployed 1,000 soldiers from the Africa Corps to Mali... The Africa Corps then became the only Russian force present in the country.
Size: Niger ~100