Putin denies strategy to spread influence in Africa after Wagner 'rebrand'

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi shake hands at the Russia Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, July 28, 2023. [AP Photo]

Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied he is seeking to oust Western influence in Africa, as new analysis suggests the Kremlin's military intelligence arm has taken over activities of the disbanded Wagner Russian paramilitary group on the continent.

In a television interview broadcast in Russia on March 13, Putin dismissed claims that Moscow is seeking to displace France as the major partner of countries such as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.