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fraud suspicions

‘She Will Flee to Russia’: Portugal Freezes Accounts of Africa's Richest Woman

Experts said Isabel dos Santos could take advantage of her Soviet-era birthright to avoid prosecution.

Conflicting theories

Russian Journalists in Africa Were Killed in ‘Robbery,’ Investigators Say

The slain reporters’ colleagues and relatives have questioned the robbery theory and reports have linked their deaths to the Wagner mercenary group.

payback time

Russia's VTB Sues Mozambique State Firm at Center of $2B Debt Scandal

The VTB loan was part of a costly project that U.S. authorities say was an elaborate front for a bribery and kickback scheme.

Putin Guru

How Putin Got a New Best Friend Forever in Africa

Putin is becoming viewed as a kind of “guru” in Africa.

PRECIOUS RESOURCES

Russia Seeks to Lift Ban on 'Blood Diamonds' From African Ally

Russia is pressing for action as Putin seeks to challenge the U.S. and other major powers' influence in Africa.

African influence

Russia Delivers First Weapons to Central Africa’s Gabon

Russia “hopes to enhance cooperation in the field of environmental protection” with the shipment.

AFRICA ALLEGATIONS

Russia’s VTB Bribe Claim May Set Back Kremlin Bank's Africa Ambitions

Senior bank executive accused of taking $2 million in kickbacks.

Wagner Group

7 Kremlin-Linked Mercenaries Killed in Mozambique in October — Military Sources

Army sources told The Moscow Times about two separate incidents involving ambushes by Islamic State-linked insurgents.

AFRICAN DEBT

Russia’s VTB Bank Demands $500M from Mozambique Government

Mozambique guaranteed $500 million of VTB loans for defense and development projects which have been hit by a corruption scandal.

wave of manipulation

Facebook Suspends Accounts Tied to Putin Ally Over Alleged Africa Meddling

The accounts were said to reach more than 1 million followers in eight African countries.

Private war

5 Russian Mercenaries Reportedly Killed in Mozambique Ambush

The unconfirmed report comes a month after the reported arrival of 200 Russian mercenaries and three helicopters.

Russia in Africa

Supplies of Banknotes from Russia to East Libya Accelerated This Year

A parallel central bank in eastern Libya stepped up deliveries of new banknotes from Russia this year.

NEW WORLD ORDER

At Russia's Inaugural Africa Summit, Moscow Sells Sovereignty

The Kremlin is leaning on its "anti-colonial" past for greater influence in Africa.

opinion

Russia Can’t Compete With China in Africa. Not Yet.

As China asserts itself in the role of the major power in Africa, Moscow’s influence could become a source of irritation.

Explainer

Arms, Oil and Influence: What You Need to Know About Russia's First-Ever Africa Summit

The summit reflects Moscow’s efforts to establish a geopolitical foothold on the continent.

Africa Heads North

Russia Welcomes African Leaders at First-Ever Russia-Africa Summit, in Photos

More than 50 African leaders made their way to Sochi for the inaugural Russia-Africa summit.

Saying hi

Russia Sends Nuclear-Bombers to South Africa in ‘Friendly’ Visit

It is reportedly the first time that Russia lands the TU-160 strategic bombers in Africa.

debt-for-development

Russia Vows to Forgive Ethiopia's Debts Amid Growing Push for Influence in Africa

Russia hopes its debt forgiveness will expand opportunities for military and economic influence on the continent.

opinion

Russia Steps Up Its Game in Africa

The inaugural Russia-Africa summit shows Putin's growing influence on the continent.

Off radar

Russians Onboard in DR Congo Plane Crash, Embassy Says

Debris of the plane has been found but the passengers are still missing.

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