Russia is quietly expanding its military influence in North Africa, with Algeria becoming a key part of its strategy.
Over the past decade, military cooperation between the two countries has grown, but recent reports of Russian military advisers and the appearance of General Sergey Surovikin in Algeria have brought new attention to Moscow’s moves.
Surovikin, a senior Russian commander known for his roles in Syria and Ukraine, disappeared from public view after the Wagner Group rebellion in 2023.
He was later appointed to lead the Air Defence Coordinating Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Soon after, he visited Algeria in an official capacity. His presence helped end speculation about his whereabouts but raised new questions about Russia’s military goals in the region.
Russia and Algeria have a long history of military cooperation. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union supported Algeria’s independence movement and later became its main arms supplier.
In the 2000s, Russia resumed arms exports, selling fighter jets, tanks, and missile systems to Algeria. In recent years, both countries have held joint military drills and naval visits. There have also been reports of Russian instructors working with elite Algerian units.
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Algeria’s location makes it important to Russia’s strategy. It borders the Mediterranean, the Sahel, and Libya, areas where Russia is looking to expand its influence.
A military presence in Algeria allows Moscow to challenge NATO in North Africa and support its partners in the region. Algeria is also a major energy exporter, giving Russia another reason to strengthen ties.
Though not officially confirmed, reports that Surovikin may be active in Algeria suggest that Russia is using top military figures to push its interests. His presence would show that Algeria is now one of Moscow’s main partners in Africa.
Algeria’s support for the Polisario Front in Western Sahara adds another layer to the situation. Russia could use the conflict to weaken Morocco’s ties with the West and gain more influence.
Some reports claim Russian trainers may be helping Algerian forces near the disputed border.
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Russia also maintains ties with forces in eastern Libya and is active in Mali and Niger. A base in Algeria could give Moscow easier access to these areas under the cover of border security or counterterrorism support.
