Abstract
Abstract
This research examines Russian influence in Africa and its impact on the future of democracy in the African Sahel region, in light of the geopolitical transformations witnessed across the African continent in recent years and the growing international competition for spheres of influence, particularly in politically and security-fragile states. The study focuses on analyzing the nature of the Russian strategy in Africa, the instruments employed by Moscow to expand its presence in the Sahel region, and the implications of this influence for democratic transformation and political stability in the region.
The study adopts the descriptive-analytical approach to examine the political, military, and media dimensions of Russian influence. It also employs the historical approach to trace the evolution of Russian-African relations from the Cold War period to the present day, in addition to the case study approach in analyzing the cases of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The research concludes that Russia has succeeded in expanding its influence in the Sahel through a variety of instruments, including military cooperation, arms deals, private military companies, state-directed media, and political support for military regimes. The study further demonstrates that the rise of Russian influence has been associated with the decline of traditional Western influence, particularly French influence, as well as with the political transformations witnessed in several Sahel states as a result of military coups and ongoing security crises.
The study also reveals that the growing Russian presence has contributed to reshaping political and regional balances in the Sahel region. However, it has simultaneously complicated democratic transition processes by supporting military regimes and reducing international pressure related to political reform and democratization. The findings further indicate that the future of democracy in the region faces significant challenges linked to weak political institutions, escalating security crises, foreign interventions, and persistent economic and social underdevelopment.
The research concludes that the future of democracy in the Sahel states will remain dependent on the ability of these countries to build stable political institutions, address their internal crises, and maintain balanced international relations away from geopolitical rivalries and international competition for influence within the African continent
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