GRU

Central African Republic
Wagner and Africa Corps figure out how to work together

After months of faltering negotiations between Bangui and Moscow, the rival Russian paramilitary groups have reached a role-sharing compromise: Dmitri Sytyi's forces will keep their security and business contracts, while Africa Corps will mantain a smaller footprint in the CAR capital.

Congo
Denis Sassou Nguesso due to attend Emmanuel Macron's space summit

The Congolese president is expected in Paris on 8 September for a visit lasting several days. He will take part in the International Space Summit on 9 and 10 September, organised by the French head of state.

Libya
Saddam Haftar turns hostage release into diplomatic leverage

The chief of staff of the Libyan National Army has been mounting a broad communications campaign around his role in the release of Russian and American captives in the Sahel. The operations were carried out via Tuareg channels in Fezzan.

Palace Intrigues
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Omar-Denis Junior Bongo, Brigitte and Tina Touadéra

Intrigues big and small: Every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

GabonBrice Clotaire Oligui Nguema expected in Abidjan

GabonOmar-Denis Junior referred to the criminal court whilst at his wedding

Central African RepublicFaustin-Archange Touadéra's wives on a visit to Russia

DRC
France, UK and US seek to block Russian ambitions in DRC

Put on alert by the turn of events in the Central African Republic and Mali, Western powers are worried about a potential rapprochement between the DRC and Russia and are hoping the UN will at least continue to enforce its arms embargo in the country.

Africa, United States
US intelligence contractor Mission Essential looks for Russian, Chinese and Turkish speakers for AFRICOM

At the request of the United States, American contractor Mission Essential plans to take on more Russian, Chinese and Turkish interpreters. Its aim is to gather more information about the activities of the three powers concerned in East Africa and elsewhere on the continent.

Libya
Moscow gives Haftar camp red carpet

Vladmir Putin and Egyptian head of state Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who sponsored the Russia-Africa Forum in Sochi on October 23, [...]

Spotlight | Libya
Khalifa Haftar has no Russian base but gets an airlift

Khalifa Haftar's inability to conclude his offensive on Tripoli has incited his Russian ally to strengthen its logistical and military support for him. The Watiya air base has in no way come under Russian control, contrary to claims from some [.

Rwanda
Moscow and Kigali reinforce military ties

First it was the Central African Republic (CAR) and Congo-K, and now Russia is pursuing its expansionist policy in Burundi [...]

Spotlight | Libya
Russia's Wagner group offers to help Khalifa Haftar in the Fezzan

In addition to the diplomatic support given him by Moscow, Khalifa Haftar also receives less public Russian aid via military services company ChVK Wagner. The company, which is in the private sector but under the authority of the Kremlin, is [.

Sudan
Wagner bolsters Bashir's security in Khartoum

With protests intensifying against the regime of Omar al-Bashir, the [...]