Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Over the past few years, Russia has dramatically expanded its influence across the Sahel. As France withdrew and Western-backed security efforts faltered, Moscow emerged as the preferred security partner for the military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Through Wagner, and later the Africa Corps, the Kremlin appeared to achieve what France and the United Nations could not: restoring security and strengthening its strategic position in one of the world's most unstable regions.
But has that momentum now stalled? This video examines Russia's growing difficulties in the Sahel following renewed jihadist offensives, setbacks around Kidal, and the emergence of new regional partners such as Turkey, China and the Gulf states. Has Moscow reached the limits of its influence in Africa, or is it simply entering a new phase of competition? We explore what these developments mean for Russia's wider geopolitical ambitions, its war in Ukraine, and the future balance of power across Africa.
Question for viewers: Has Russia reached the limits of its influence in Africa, or will it remain the dominant external security partner in the Sahel?
*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:32 Great Powers and Security: Russia and the Sahel
01:34 A Brief Introduction to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger
02:55 How Russia Took Over from France in the Sahel
05:41 The Tide Turns Against Russia in Mali
06:57 Is Russia Losing Its Power in the Sahel?
09:21 What Does All This Mean for Moscow?
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Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know
Oxford University Press global.oup.com/academic/product/secession-and-state-creation-9780190494049
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#Russia #Sahel #Africa
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James Ker-Lindsay | Insights
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Over the past few years, Russia has dramatically expanded its influence across the Sahel. As France withdrew and Western-backed security efforts faltered, Moscow emerged as the preferred security partner for the military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Through Wagner, and later the Africa Corps, the Kremlin appeared to achieve what France and the United Nations could not: restoring security and strengthening its strategic position in one of the world's most unstable regions.
But has that momentum now stalled? This video examines Russia's growing difficulties in the Sahel following renewed jihadist offensives, setbacks around Kidal, and the emergence of new regional partners such as Turkey, China and the Gulf states. Has Moscow reached the limits of its influence in Africa, or is it simply entering a new phase of competition? We explore what these developments mean for Russia's wider geopolitical ambitions, its war in Ukraine, and the future balance of power across Africa.
Question for viewers: Has Russia reached the limits of its influence in Africa, or will it remain the dominant external security partner in the Sahel?
*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:32 Great Powers and Security: Russia and the Sahel
01:34 A Brief Introduction to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger
02:55 How Russia Took Over from France in the Sahel
05:41 The Tide Turns Against Russia in Mali
06:57 Is Russia Losing Its Power in the Sahel?
09:21 What Does All This Mean for Moscow?
*ABOUT THIS CHANNEL*
Thoughtful analysis of international relations, conflict, security and diplomacy, with weekly explainers, expert interviews, livestreams and viewer Q&As.
*SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS*
If you enjoy the channel and would like to support independent analysis of international relations, conflict, and security, there are several ways you can help:
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE
youtube.com/channel/UCEszqJb1FjYisBevHBIof3g
youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay?sub_confirmation=1
JOIN THE COMMUNITY AND BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER
YouTube: youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay/join
Patreon: patreon.com/JamesKerLindsay
*MY LATEST BOOK!*
Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know
Oxford University Press global.oup.com/academic/product/secession-and-state-creation-9780190494049
Amazon amzn.to/2MPY3W2
Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel at no additional cost to you.
#Russia #Sahel #Africa
MORE ANALYSIS AND EXCLUSIVE MATERIAL
James Ker-Lindsay | Insights
youtube.com/c/JKLInsights?sub_confirmation=1
