Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, the Kremlin has stepped up its efforts to actively woo African governments and business leaders away from 'Western interests' and into the Russian Federation’s camp, both politically and economically.
The Kremlin's move comes alongside the Wagner Group's ongoing mercenary operations in several African states, mainly in the form of propping up governments against internal armed opposition in return for access to and exploitation of precious and rare metals and minerals, as well as gemstone deposits such as diamonds and rubies.
