Russia is reshaping its military footprint in Africa. With Wagner Group’s brutal legacy and uncertain future, President Vladimir Putin has introduced a new paramilitary force: the Africa Corps. Unlike Wagner, this force is directly controlled by the Russian Defence Ministry, giving the Kremlin more legitimacy and tighter control. From Mali to the Central African Republic and across the Sahel, the Africa Corps is filling the vacuum left by expelled Western troops. With over 40 defence deals signed with African nations, Moscow is using weapons, training, and boots on the ground to expand its influence, while anti-Western sentiment fuels its acceptance. Is Putin rewriting the rules of war on the continent?