African defense platform: Kremlin seeks to convert Libya to a base published by “Russian colonization”
The African Defense Platform magazine, issued by the US military command for the African continent (AFRICOM), confirmed that the Kremlin seeks to turn Libya into a base from which to spread “Russian colonialism,” adding that Russia is exploiting the politically divided Libya and its abundant natural resources, to continue expanding its reach. Its influence on the continent, especially in the Sahel region.
The magazine indicated that the person running the Kremlin’s work on the continent is the “African Legion,” formerly affiliated with Wagner’s mercenaries, and its headquarters will be in Libya, from where it plans to spread a new form of Russian colonialism.
It continued that Russia’s approach has not changed for decades, as this approach is based on using media operations and serious measures to attract the target population, mobilize factions to support allied elites, and paralyze support provided to opponents in the state’s leadership.
It explained that Russia has been supporting the American Khalifa Haftar, since its attempt to help him seize Tripoli, adding that Wagner’s first goal in Libya is to benefit from oil revenues through indirect channels by supporting Haftar’s armed forces.
It continued, “Since mid-April, Wagner fighters and 6,000 tons of materiel have begun arriving in Libya on board cargo planes in Brak al-Shati in southern Libya and via cargo ships in Tobruk,” adding that Russia is also planning to establish a naval base in the city of Tobruk to enable its agents to influence… Navigation traffic in the Mediterranean, expanding smuggling activities, and possibly disrupting shipping traffic.
The magazine pointed out that these mercenaries work to support the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, where they work to transfer portable surface-to-air missiles, ammunition, fuel, and other shipments from Libya to the Rapid Support Forces.
Nicodemus Mendi, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, confirmed that it appears that the African Legion represents a weapon of the Russian security strategy in the turbulent Sahel region, and there is no doubt that it aims to expand its influence throughout various parts of Africa in the future.
The magazine added that the African Legion does not only operate in countries led by military tyrants. For years, Russian mercenaries have been busy seizing the diamond market in Central Africa, stealing these precious stones, smuggling them, and killing everyone who stands in their way.
It concluded by saying, “Wagner founded two Central African companies, Mining Industries and Logistics Economic Etranger, accused of enabling security operations and illegal mining activities carried out by the African Legion under the leadership of Averianov.”
