The Wagner Group’s Web in Libya

Africa’s historical importance to Russia

During the Cold War, following decolonization, Africa played a significant role for the Soviet Union ideologically and economically. The new African governments, liberated from European colonial rule, also needed ideological support to appeal to their citizens. Moscow tried to spread the Soviet-era communist creed and anti-Americanism as broadly as it could.

Africa also presented Russia with an opportunity to expand its influence in the Mediterranean and other strategic hubs. The African market had great potential, especially in the arms sector. Russia now supplies arms to 21 African nations, first and foremost to Algeria. The Kremlin has long been determined to maintain a firm influence in the Maghreb, and since the 1970s at least 11,000 Russian operatives have been active on Libyan soil, even though relations between Tripoli and Moscow have often been strained. 

A brief history of the Wagner group in Libya

The presence of the Wagner group alongside the LNA first became apparent at the beginning of the siege of Tripoli in April 2019. However, the group has been active there at least since 2018, controlling strategic oil fields in the Red Crescent area and providing technical support to the LNA, as well as operating alongside the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces or the Janjaweed militia group. 

During the third Libyan civil war, which lasted until June 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and, to a lesser extent, France and Jordan also supported the LNA. However, Turkey’s military entry on behalf of the besieged Government of National Accord in Tripoli, and the subsequent failure of the operation initiated by Field Marshal Haftar, prompted the Gulf powers to take a step back. 

Since then, Russia has increased its presence through the Wagner group, fulfilling several needs: controlling strategic infrastructure, advising local security forces, providing intelligence and influencing public opinion through social media. There is evidence that the group is behind an extensive social media campaign glorifying Field Marshal Haftar and other Libyan figures.

Russian economic interests in Libya

In the 1970s, Russia and Libya signed economic agreements worth billions of dollars. This economic partnership has never been abandoned, and even under the Government of National Accord led by Fayez al-Sarraj there were several high-level meetings. The Kremlin was hoping to first stabilize the country and then embark on fruitful collaborations. This has been the policy of many European capitals as well. There is a significant difference, however, in how states have pursued this aim. Most European governments have relied on diplomacy, but the Russian government has preferred a more pragmatic approach through the activities of the Wagner group.

Source: GIS Reports