Oren Kessler and Boris Zilberman, the co-authors of the article, dubbed “Russia’s Charm Offensive in North Africa,” highlighted the increasing Russian influence in North Africa saying that Egypt, a traditional US ally, has shifted sides and allied with Russia since President Sisi took power. The strengthened ties between the two countries paved the way for holding joint military drills, named Defenders of Friendship. “Cairo and Moscow are said to be weeks away from finalizing an agreement on a nuclear-power reactor outside of Alexandria. In Libya, Russia has been backing militarily and diplomatically Libya’s strong man General Khalifa Haftar whose forces are at loggerheads with the internationally recognized government in Tripoli. Morocco, In the westernmost side of North Africa, has also seen ties fostered with Russia following the king’s visit to Moscow last year.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 05, 2017 15:56 UTC