By Reuters
Russia plans to step up cooperation with African countries, including in “sensitive areas” such as defence and security, the Kremlin said on Monday.
Russian mercenary group Wagner said last week it was leaving Mali after helping the military junta there in its fight with Islamist militants. But the Africa Corps, a Kremlin-controlled paramilitary force, said it would remain in the west African country.
Asked what this meant for Russia’s role in Africa, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “The Russian presence in Africa is growing. We really intend to comprehensively develop our interaction with African countries, focusing primarily on economic and investment interaction.
“This also corresponds to and extends to such sensitive areas as defence and security. In this regard, Russia will also continue interaction and cooperation with African states.”
Russia’s growing security role in parts of the continent, including in countries such as Mali, Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea,
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