Focus on Africa African leaders attend Russia's Security Summit
May 28, 2025
Brevely Otsheng, a Sahel expert at Control Risk, shares insights on Russia's growing influence in Africa, particularly in military partnerships with countries like Burkina Faso and Mali. BBC reporter Thomas Nadi discusses the Ghana embassy visa scandal, revealing its impact on the Ghanaian community. Joshua Babel poignantly recounts his family's pursuit of justice following the tragic Ethiopian Airlines crash that claimed his son and daughter-in-law, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in aviation safety.
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Russia's Strategic Sahel Influence
- Russia's engagement with Africa, especially in the Sahel, brings it strategic geopolitical influence as Western powers retreat. - Russia fills the security void with military support and diplomatic presence, contrasting with the West's scaled-back role.
Russia Expands Defense Presence
- Russia gains by expanding its defense infrastructure and repositioning paramilitary assets to the Sahel. - The region offers a pivot point for Russian influence away from its Ukraine conflict zone.
Shifting Jihadist Territories in Sahel
- New military governments' approaches led to displacement of jihadist militants rather than total defeat. - Insurgent groups have moved into new economically important areas despite some gains.