Russia’sSVR foreign intelligence agency has taken over mercenary group Wagner’s influence operations in Africa after the death of its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, according to a new investigation.
Wagner, whose brutal methods have been denounced by rights organisations, was Russia’s best-known mercenary group.
It had a widespread presence in Africa, deploying fighters alongside the armies of countries including Libya and Mali, and also conducted vast disinformation and destabilisation campaigns.
After Prigozhin died in a plane crash in 2023 following a short-lived mutiny against Moscow, the Russian defence ministry has sought to replace Wagner in Africa and coordinate security operations through an umbrella group known as the Africa Corps.
But it is the SVR that has taken over Wagner’s influence operations, aimed at pushing Moscow’s political and economic interests, conducting disinformation campaigns and eliminating competition in Africa and beyond, according to an investigation by a consortium of investigative and media outlets, including Forbidden Stories and All Eyes On Wagner.
“The SVR has now taken over the most effective tool of the Wagner Group,” said the investigation, which also involved Dossier Center, openDemocracy and iStories.
Nearly 100 consultants work for Wagner’s influence branch, called Africa Politology or The Company, the investigative outlets said.
Between 2024 and 2025, the outfit deployed teams across numerous countries, including Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Chad, Ghana, Libya, Mali, Niger and Sudan, the investigation said.
Teams have also been active in Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Cameroon, Benin and Namibia.
“The SVR provides a layer of intelligence with information on specific topics, recruits sources, opens access and places key agents of influence in strategic roles,” the consortium said.
Source: Insider Paper
