Moscow’s activities abroad continue to draw scrutiny far beyond the battlefield.
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Western governments have repeatedly accused the Kremlin of expanding its power through covert operations, influence operations and security partnerships across Africa.
Now, newly released documents suggest that Russian intelligence may have gone further and explored plans to support a military occupation of Senegal.
Wagner was hired
According to documents released by the research group All Eyes on Wagner, Russian agents tried to recruit members of Senegal’s military during a period of political instability.
“In Senegal, which is rocked by demonstrations, an organization called “African Politics” was working with the Senegalese military to plan a scenario for seizing power,” the group wrote.
United24 Media reported that the plan is part of a broader strategy to expand Russia’s influence on the continent through political manipulation and information campaigns.
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Changes in the Wagner network
All Eyes on Wagner claims that following the death of Evgeny Prigozhin, organizations previously associated with the Wagner Group were placed under the supervision of Russia’s foreign intelligence agency, the SVR.
The group said it analyzed 76 documents from 2023-2024 showing state-led funding restructuring and impact projects.
The document identifies three people as key coordinators: Sergei Mashkevich, Sergei Kulkin and Artem Gorny.
Mashkevich is said to have ties to the Russian presidential administration and oversee operations in countries such as Sudan and Bolivia.
Media and lobbying
United24 Media reported that an organization called “African Political Science” played a central role in the alleged campaign, operating on a monthly budget of about $750,000.
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The group is said to conduct lobbying activities and produce media content aimed at shaping public debate.
In August 2024, he allegedly spent approximately $340,000 on more than 500 articles and videos, which he distributed through intermediaries to conceal the source of the funds.
Wider footprint
The document also outlines an alleged operation in Mali, where Russian intelligence is said to have been gathering intelligence on French and US military plans while assisting the coalition of Sahel nations.
In the Central African Republic, newspapers have reported attempts to influence UN missions and protect Russia’s commercial interests.
Further suspected activities include operations in Niger targeting French uranium interests and intelligence gathering focused on Western-linked energy companies in Mozambique.
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This claim has not been independently verified, and Russia has not publicly responded to the claim.
Source: Focus on Wagner, United 24 Media, WP.
