The UK government imposed new sanctions on Thursday, November 7, targeting three private mercenary groups linked to the Kremlin, including Africa Corps, the successor to the notorious Wagner group.
These sanctions aim to disrupt Russian influence and illegal activities across Africa, particularly in Libya, Mali, and the Central African Republic (CAR), according to an official statement.
“These sanctions will intensify efforts against Russia’s malign activities, exposing and combating its illicit actions in Africa,” the statement said. Notably, this marks the first time a G7 nation has directly sanctioned Africa Corps.
As part of its increasing focus on Africa, Russia has deployed mercenaries and advisors to support local governments, expanding its influence in a manner reminiscent of Soviet-era strategies.
UK officials believe Africa Corps, along with other mercenary groups like Espanola and Bears Brigade, is helping advance Moscow’s agenda across Africa through intimidation and force.
The sanctions were announced ahead of a summit in Sochi, where Russia will host African foreign ministers.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that the sanctions are aimed at countering the Kremlin’s destabilizing activities in Africa and reducing resources that support Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.
This sanctions package is the largest imposed by the UK on Russia since May 2023.
It also targets suppliers believed to be enhancing Russia’s military capabilities, along with a Russian intelligence officer involved in the 2018 chemical attack in Salisbury. The UK remains one of Ukraine’s strongest allies, pledging £3 billion in annual military support.
“Putin is nearly 1,000 days into a war he thought would end quickly,” Lammy said. “He will fail, and I will continue to pressure the Kremlin while supporting the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom.”
