The Africa Corps, formerly known as the Wagner Group, is reportedly offering African governments a “regime survival package” in exchange for access to critical natural resources, raising serious concerns over economic sovereignty and stability in the region.
In the Central African Republic, Africa Corps has secured lucrative contracts for gold and diamond mining, masquerading as a security provider. Similarly, in Sudan, the group took advantage of the power vacuum following the 2019 coup to control the illicit gold trade, exacerbating ongoing corruption and conflict.
Their influence also extends to Libya and Mali. In Libya, Africa Corps manipulates oil production, while in Mali, their presence intensifies local conflicts and threatens national sovereignty. The group’s tactics include recruiting local fighters and engaging in arms deals, further entrenching their control over the regions.
Furthermore, reports indicate that Africa Corps has been involved in training local militias, effectively building a network of loyal forces to protect their interests. Economic warfare tactics, such as resource hoarding and price manipulation, are detrimental to millions of Africans and obstruct economic recovery in fragile states.
Experts emphasize the necessity for international scrutiny and collective action to address these predatory practices and support sustainable development. Failure to counteract these influences could deepen instability and poverty across the continent. Recent discussions among African leaders highlight the urgent need for a unified response to the growing threat posed by foreign mercenary groups like Africa Corps, focusing on legislative measures and regional security collaborations.