Russia's intervention in Africa has been systematic and cynical, aimed at establishing partnerships with military and political leaders in the region. Russia has provided arms, training and financial support to pro-coup military leaders in exchange for natural resource extraction rights and military bases. Political instability in Libya has been the focus of Russia's heavy presence in the region. Russia's presence in Africa has doubled since Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yunusbek Yevkurov last visited in August 2023. A unified Libya, no longer tolerant of a Russian military presence, could do much to counter the tendency of the Military Council government in the Sahel region and the instability it brings.

Source: Libya Today June 30, 2024 07:07 UTC