First Independent Mena Newspaper
Russia has restarted military flights between its Hmeimim Air Base in Syria and Al-Khadim Air Base in eastern Libya after a five-month suspension, Italy’s Nova news agency has reported. A Russian Ilyushin Il-62M transport aircraft was seen departing from Al-Khadim for Hmeimim in Syria’s Latakia province, Moscow’s primary operational hub in the Middle East. The […]
Kenyan authorities have dismantled a human trafficking ring accused of luring citizens to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war under the guise of employment opportunities in Moscow. In an intelligence-led raid on the Great Wall Apartments on the outskirts of Nairobi, police rescued 22 Kenyans who were reportedly being “processed” for travel to Russia. Authorities seized […]
Russia and Ethiopia have officially signed a long-anticipated nuclear cooperation agreement, marking a major milestone in Moscow’s growing strategic engagement across Africa. The deal, finalized at a nuclear energy forum by Ethiopian Electric Power Company and Russia’s state-owned Rosatom, outlines the construction of Ethiopia’s first nuclear power plant. The agreement includes a comprehensive roadmap for […]
In a renewed show of diplomatic and strategic alignment, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared the Republic of Congo a “reliable and time-tested friend,” highlighting the Central African nation as a key entry point for Moscow’s growing influence across the continent. The statement came during Putin’s recent meeting with Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso in […]
The Russian naval training vessel Smolny has docked in Tanzania’s port city of Dar es Salaam, marking a significant moment in the deepening relationship between Moscow and Dodoma. The stopover — Smolny’s fifth during its current long-range voyage — brought over 300 naval cadets to Tanzanian shores. Welcomed by senior Tanzanian officials and Russia’s ambassador, […]
In a landmark move to boost its influence in Africa, Russia last week hosted its first official military consultations with the defense chiefs of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — members of the recently formalized Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The high-level talks in Moscow, led by Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, concluded with the […]
Russia and Mozambique reaffirmed their longstanding defense partnership during a diplomatic visit to Moscow by Mozambican Foreign Minister Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas. The talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted both countries’ commitment to strengthening military cooperation and expanding economic ties, particularly in the energy sector. Lavrov pledged continued Russian support for enhancing […]
Russia has officially transitioned its military operations in the Sahel from the shadowy Wagner Group to a state-controlled force known as Africa Corps, according to a new report by the Dakar-based Timbuktu Institute. Following Wagner’s formal withdrawal from Mali on 6 June 2025, Africa Corps was deployed the next day by Russia’s Ministry of Defense. […]
Ukraine is reportedly deepening its presence in Africa, offering military training, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic support to counter Russia’s growing influence, particularly in the Sahel region. As Moscow-backed mercenaries spread across conflict zones like Mali, Ukraine has launched a strategic push to win allies on the continent and undermine Kremlin-backed operations. Kyiv’s latest initiative includes […]
Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance, Abdellatif Hammouchi, representing Morocco at the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues held in Moscow. Organized by the Russian Security Council, this meeting has been held regularly since 2010. It serves as a strategic forum for coordination and exchange of views among countries on […]