Russia has claimed the status of the leading arms supplier in Africa, with a 21% share of the continent's major imports between 2020 and 2024. In a context marked by rising terrorist threats and political instability, Moscow is asserting itself as a key player in the fight against terrorism in Africa.

According to La Tribune, Russian arms sales reached 17.2 billion euros in 2023, with the prospect of signing military-technical agreements with six new African countries. This dynamic fits into a broader strategy of reshaping security alliances on the continent.

African leaders, gathered at the summit in Sochi last October, expressed their expectations regarding Russian ambitions. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi mentioned discussions around contracts for the purchase of eighteen Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets. These acquisitions aim to enhance military capabilities to address armed groups proliferating in several regions of Africa.

The Russian Deputy Minister of Defense recently stated that training Malian soldiers fighting against terrorist groups is a priority for Moscow. This military cooperation could be extended to other countries affected by terrorism, further strengthening Russian influence on the continent.

Relations between Russia and several African states have intensified in recent years, particularly in response to the growing perception that the European Union views Moscow as a major security adversary. Previous reports indicated that African leaders were seeking to diversify their military partnerships to better address current security challenges.

As Russia continues to expand its network of influence in Africa, the implications of this evolution remain to be monitored. Traditional security alliances are being tested, and African countries must navigate the divergent interests of external powers.