Perceptions of Russia’s ‘return’ to Africa: Views from West Africa

South African Journal of International Affairs. 2022. Vol. 29. No. 4. P. 425–444.

Issaev L., Shishkina A., Liokumovich Y.

The article focuses on the perception of  Russia’s ‘return’ to Africa through an analysis of field research data from three African states: Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, gathered in late 2021. In this article the authors argue that the Russian ‘return’ to Africa, which is primarily seen in the provision of security services through the presence of Russian private military companies (PMCs), is perceived positively. An important role is played in these perceptions by the Soviet legacy on the continent, which is remembered positively among Africans. Perceptions appear significantly influenced by the crisis in relations between West African countries and France, as well as the experience of Russian involvement in the field of securitisation since 2014.  The net effect is that Russian engagement in West Africa, and specifically by PMC’s, is welcome.

Keywords: private military companies, Africa, Russian foreign policy, armed conflicts, Sahel

Publication based on the results of: New revolution wave at the Afrasian instability zone (2022)