UK’s new sanctions target Kremlin-linked mercenary groups in Africa

The UK government has announced dozens of new sanctions against Russia, targeting three private mercenary groups in Africa, linked to the Kremlin, and eleven people involved in the Ukraine war and associated with a nerve agent attack on British soil.
“Today’s action disrupts the supply of vital equipment for Putin’s war machine and bears down on Russian malign activity globally,” The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said on Thursday (7 November) when it announced 56 new sanctions against individuals and entities, in its largest sanctions package against Russia since May 2023. The sanctions are said to target Russia’s military industrial complex and “further restrict the supply of vital military equipment” that Russian President Vladimir Putin requires in Ukraine. Three private mercenary groups, including the Wagner Group’s successor Africa Corps and “11 individuals associated with Russian proxies” were sanctioned as well.
“These targets have direct links to the Kremlin, have threatened peace and security in Libya, Algeria, Mali and the Central African Republic, and have committed widespread human rights abuses across the continent,” the Foreign Office said. The sanctions were imposed amid Russia’s continued effort to expand its footprint across Africa, especially in the western parts of the continent and in the Sahel region. France and the United States have been gradually withdrawing soldiers and weapons from the continent as governments from Burkina Faso, to Mali and Niger object to their presence amid ongoing violence from armed groups.