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Latest reports indicate the group is offering governments in Africa a ‘regime survival package’ in exchange for access to strategically important natural resources. [AFP]

Africa Corps, formerly known as the Wagner Group until their rebranding in 2023, a private military organisation with close ties to the Kremlin, has become infamous for its involvement in global conflicts, most notably its illegal invasion of Ukraine. However, its operations in Africa are often overlooked but equally concerning aspect of its activities.

In Africa, Russia-controlled Africa Corps influence extends beyond the battlefield into the economic sphere, where it engages in tactics that amount to economic warfare. This strategy, characterised by resource hoarding, price manipulation, and infrastructure sabotage, threatens to destabilise African markets, undermine economic sovereignty, and worsen the livelihoods of millions of Africans.

One of Africa Corps' primary tactics in Africa is to gain control over vital natural resources in fragile states, often under the guise of providing security services. The Central African Republic (CAR) serves as a prime example of this strategy. Africa Corps forces have secured lucrative mining contracts in gold and diamonds, effectively monopolising access to these resources. This control allows Africa Corps to not only profit but also to manipulate local and global markets to its advantage.

In Sudan, Africa Corps operating as Wagner Group at the time, reportedly were involved in the illicit gold trade which fueled corruption and conflict. Following the 2019 coup that ousted Omar al-Bashir, Sudan's transitional government struggled to stabilise the economy. Wagner Group exploited this instability by securing access to gold mines and smuggling routes. Sudan’s gold, which could have been a stabilising force for the national economy, instead became a tool for Wagner Group to exert influence and generate revenue, further exacerbating the country’s economic challenges.

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