Putin tries to maintain influence in Africa

Putin is attempting to reassure African allies following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, which has called into question Russia's reputation as a reliable partner on the international stage.

The Russian President paid particular attention to the Central African Republic, assuring its leader, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, of Moscow's readiness to continue military support. It is worth recalling that since 2018, security in the CAR has been provided by mercenaries from the Wagner Group.

 These units were deployed to the country to bolster Touadéra's regime in a strategically important region rich in diamonds and gold.

In 2023, Wagner fighters played a key role in organising a referendum in which Touadéra secured the removal of presidential term limits, thereby strengthening his hold on power.

However, recent events in Syria, where rebels have achieved success following the overthrow of Assad, are causing some of Russia's allies, including Touadéra, to consider seeking alternative security guarantees. Political instability and the potential loss of Moscow's influence pose new challenges to its role on the international stage.