In Africa, a new balance of power

Between 2018 and 2022, Russia was the leading arms exporter to the continent (40%), particularly to Algeria and Egypt. Moscow has signed military agreements with most African countries and deployed its Wagner militia (now known as Africa Corps) in seven of them. However, it does not have any bases in Africa, although a project to establish one is underway in Sudan. China appears to be less active in military matters, with 9.8% of exports to Africa coming from China. It has only one base, in Djibouti. Djibouti confirms its central role by also hosting a French base and an American base, the largest on the continent with 4,000 personnel. The United States accounts for more than 15% of arms exports to the continent, while France accounts for more than 7%. However, it remains by far the leading foreign country in terms of military bases, with a presence in six countries.

This map is taken from L’Année stratégique 2024. Its purpose is to study the military interests of France, the United States, Russia, and China in various African states.