Investigation: Russian spy agency takes over Wagner operations in Africa
Russia's SVR foreign intelligence agency has assumed control of the Wagner Group's influence operations in Africa following the death of its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Wagner, a well-known mercenary group, was active in Africa, supporting military…
Russia's SVR foreign intelligence agency has assumed control of the Wagner Group's influence operations in Africa following the death of its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Wagner, a well-known mercenary group, was active in Africa, supporting military forces in countries such as Libya and Mali, and conducting disinformation campaigns.
After Prigozhin's death in a 2023 plane crash, the Russian defense ministry attempted to replace Wagner's operations in Africa through the Africa Corps. Nevertheless, the SVR has taken over Wagner's influence efforts aimed at advancing Moscow's political and economic interests, including disinformation activities and eliminating competition across Africa and beyond.
Nearly 100 consultants work for Wagner's influence branch, known as Africa Politology or The Company. Between 2024 and 2025, teams were deployed across various countries, including Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Chad, Ghana, Libya, Mali, Niger, and Sudan. Additional operations were noted in Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Cameroon, Benin, and Namibia.
The SVR is reported to provide intelligence on specific topics, recruit sources, and place agents in strategic roles. This information emerged from an investigation based on over 1,400 pages of internal documents, including strategic plans, staff biographies, and disinformation campaign summaries from January to November 2024.
Russia's SVR foreign intelligence agency has assumed control of the Wagner Group's influence operations in Africa following the death of its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
The SVR's activities sometimes overlap or require coordination with the Russian defense ministry, which supervises the GRU military intelligence. While the defense ministry has taken over Wagner operations in some regions, such as Mali, it has not fully integrated Russian private military contractors in areas like the Central African Republic.
The investigation highlights the SVR's involvement in Africa, focusing on intelligence provision to Africa Politology concerning military and political strategies of other nations. This includes diplomatic support for new military-political alliances in regions like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Republic of Guinea.
The report notes the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States in 2023, which consists of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, countries that have distanced themselves from former colonial ties with France. The SVR's influence operations budget between January and October 2024 was estimated to be approximately $7.3 million. Despite these expenditures, the long-term outcomes of Russia's efforts in Africa remain uncertain, with many agreements not yet translating into profitable ventures.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
