The UK government has announced dozens of new sanctions against Russia, targeting three private mercenary groups in Africa, linked to the Kremlin, and eleven people involved in the Ukraine war and associated with a nerve agent attack on British soil. The sanctions are said to target Russia’s military industrial complex and “further restrict the supply of vital military equipment” that Russian President Vladimir Putin requires in Ukraine. Three private mercenary groups, including the Wagner Group’s successor Africa Corps and “11 individuals associated with Russian proxies” were sanctioned as well. The sanctions were imposed amid Russia’s continued effort to expand its footprint across Africa, especially in the western parts of the continent and in the Sahel region. France and the United States have been gradually withdrawing soldiers and weapons from the continent as governments from Burkina Faso, to Mali and Niger object to their presence amid ongoing violence from armed groups.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 08, 2024 14:08 UTC