The security landscape across the Sahel has shifted dramatically in recent years, particularly in Mali, where partnerships with Western powers have given way to closer ties with Russia. The presence of Russian personnel, widely linked to the Wagner Group - now known as Africa Corps and more recently, restructured under Moscow's direct influence, has raised questions about sovereignty, security effectiveness, and geopolitical competition in the region. As violence persists across the Sahel, countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are adjusting alliances, prompting debate about whether Russian support is stabilizing the region or deepening instability. Mpho Sithole spoke to Jonathan Offei-Ansah, an Africa analyst to unpack these developments and what they mean for regional security and international influence