From Wagner to intelligence service SVR — How Russia rewired its Africa operations

2026-02-21 - 14:03

Russia's foreign intelligence agency, the SVR, has reportedly taken over Wagner Group's African influence operations post-Prigozhin's death. An investigation reveals the SVR now directs political and information warfare, deploying teams across numerous African nations to spread disinformation and advance Moscow's interests. This strategic shift aims to bolster Russia's presence, particularly in the Sahel region.