# Large number of Russian troops and weapons arrive in Libya

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/04/large-number-of-russian-troops-and-weapons-arrive-in-libya/
- Published: 2024-04-24T08:13:01+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

Russia has begun the deployment of its troops under the banner of the ‘[African Corps](https://www.military.africa/2024/01/russia-to-launch-african-legion-to-replace-wagner-group-in-africa/)‘
in southern Libya. Recent events have seen Russian cargo planes landing at Brak 
al-Shati, offloading scores of soldiers, while cargo ships carrying equipment docked
at the port of Tobruk on Libya’s eastern coast.

## The ‘African Corps’: Equipment and Armaments

The equipment and armaments of the Russian Armed Forces’ ‘African Corps’ have arrived
via the landing ships Ivan Gren and Aleksandr Otrakovskiy. These include a mix of
light and heavy vehicles, such as pickups, GAZ and KAMAZ trucks, as well as ZU-23-
2 anti-aircraft artillery. This deployment is part of Russia’s intentions to consolidating
a formidable military presence in Africa.

## Expanding Operations

Reports had previously emerged regarding the deployment of Russian ‘African Corps’
units in [Burkina Faso](https://www.military.africa/2024/01/russia-deploys-troops-to-burkina-faso/)
and [Nigér](https://www.military.africa/2024/04/russian-troops-weapons-arrive-niger/).
However, the scope of operations extends beyond Libya. Russia aims to establish 
the core structure of the ‘African Corps’ by the summer of 2024, with plans to operate
in other African nations, including Burkina Faso, Mali, the Central African Republic,
and Niger.

## The African Corps: Structure and Leadership

The African Corps, a key component of the ‘African Corps’, will be directly subordinate
to the Ministry of Defense. Oversight will be provided by Deputy Defense Minister
Yunusbek Yevkurov, a former president of the Russian republic of Ingushetia. This
new military force comprises former Wagner Group operatives and private security
contractors affiliated with Russian companies operating in Africa. The formation
of the African Legion occurred in August 2023, following the [death of Wagner’s founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, ](https://www.military.africa/2023/06/wagner-groups-mutiny-implications-for-africas-security/)
a close ally of President Vladimir Putin. Recruitment efforts spanned both Africa
and Russia, commencing in December 2023.

## Wagner’s Continued Operations

Despite its [leader’s aborted insurrection](https://www.military.africa/2023/06/a-tale-of-two-rebellions-wagner-group-mutiny-and-rapid-support-force-rebellion/),
Russia’s foreign minister announced last year that [Wagner Group would continue operations](https://www.military.africa/2023/06/wagner-will-continue-african-operations/)
in Mali and the Central African Republic. The group’s presence remains a significant
factor in the region.

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## Eastern Libya: Russian Presence

In eastern Libya, analysts estimate that the Russian presence ranges from **1,000
to 1,500 individuals**. Airbases like **Al-Jufra** facilitate Russian military flights,
serving as layovers before proceeding south to other African nations. The Kremlin’s
strategic objective is clear: to bolster its influence in the African continent.

## Leveraging Military Strength

Russia’s control over a portion of diamond mines, oil reserves, and valuable mineral
deposits in Africa provides a strong incentive for leveraging military strength.
The **‘African Corps’** represents a calculated move to secure and expand Russian
interests in the region.

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The African Legion will focus on providing security and training services to the
African governments that host it, as well as protecting Russian interests and investments
in the continent.

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