Moscow Expands Control Across the Sahel – What’s Next?

Russia’s growing role in West Africa marks a pivotal shift in the region’s security dynamics. As traditional Western partners retreat, Moscow is stepping in—not as a temporary ally, but as a long-term power broker. This article explores how Russia is leveraging military partnerships, political alignment, and strategic deployments to reshape the balance of power across the Sahel. What’s unfolding is not merely opportunism—it’s a deliberate strategy to replace Western influence with a Russian-led security architecture. The implications extend far beyond Africa’s borders, raising urgent questions about the future of regional sovereignty, global alliances, and great-power competition on the continent.