Russia, USA, Iran – rivalry of superpowers in Africa

Russia is strengthening its presence in the Sahel region in West Africa – approximately 100 Russian soldiers have just arrived in Burkina Faso. They are part of the planned three times more significant African Corps force and are intended to ensure the safety of the local authorities and society. “Military specialists” will train Burkin soldiers and patrol dangerous areas. In this way, Russia, first through the Wagner Group mercenaries and now through the African Corps, is expanding its influence in African countries, including Mali and the Central African Republic.

According to the position of the United States authorities, the future of the American military drone base in Niger depends on the actions of the junta ruling that country to restore democracy and release the deposed president Mohamed Bazoum. Air Base 201, where operations are suspended or restricted, is the leading US strategic military facility in sub-Saharan Africa. From that base, located in the city of Agadez, drones tracked the movements of militants and human traffickers in West Africa and beyond.

Iran has provided combat drones to Sudan’s army, siding with it in a civil war that has displaced millions of people and threatens to destabilise the region, according to senior Western officials. Deliveries of the Mohajer-6 drone, a single-engine, uncrewed aerial vehicle manufactured by Quds Air Industries and carrying precision-guided munitions, have arrived in Sudan. The Rapid Support Forces fighting against the Sudanese army receive help from the United Arab Emirates.