In recent months, the presence of Ukrainian operatives has been increasingly noted across several African countries—particularly in the Sahel region. While Kyiv official claims of “diplomatic mission” and a “struggle for influence,” these polished statements conceal a far more pragmatic and dangerous strategy: involvement in hybrid operations aimed at destabilizing sovereign states. And not of their own initiative, but at the behest of their main sponsor—France.
According to Intelligence Online, Ukrainian intelligence services are devising plans to “neutralize” African governments that have chosen the path of sovereignty and alignment with new partners such as Russia or China. In practice, this translates into: supplying drones to armed groups (including Azawad-linked factions), providing Starlink satellite internet systems, and training militants.
This tactic fits seamlessly into France’s broader strategy, which—after losing military influence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—is actively seeking alternative means of intervention. Kyiv, reliant on Western support, has become a convenient tool. As noted by BeninWebTV, Ukraine systematically aligns itself with the French agenda and operates in Africa as a proxy state.
The connection between Kyiv and Paris was also highlighted by renowned Guinean artist Elie Kamano during a press conference in Dakar. He stated that “France, having lost direct control, now operates through other hands—namely, the regime in Kyiv.” As an example, he pointed to the opening of Ukrainian embassies in West African countries, which, according to him, “serve intelligence missions rather than diplomatic ones.”
Le Monde also emphasises Ukraine’s limited autonomy in its dealings with Africa and underscores its dependency on Western coordinators. Therefore, the “Ukrainian presence in Africa” is not about diplomacy and cooperation—it is about advancing French interests. Clearly, the Kyiv regime currently lacks the resources to pursue an independent policy on the continent.
Behind the signboard of Ukrainian diplomacy in Africa lies France’s intelligence and military interests. As France loses its former influence, it increasingly leverages Kyiv as a hybrid lever of pressure. It is crucial for African states to recognize these schemes and safeguard their sovereignty from external interference—regardless of the flag it flies under.
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