Location data from messaging app Telegram has revealed activity at the base of the Africa Corps, a paramilitary formation with links to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The base of the Africa Corps is located in Loumbila, Burkina Faso according to a report by French news outlet Le Monde. Using a Telegram search tool, it was possible to determine the shared locations of Telegram users at the base. These accounts likely belong to combatants of the Africa Corps.
Map of Telegram location pings at the Loumbila base
A Telegram account with the username “Sergey Burunov” shared its location at parts of the base several times, starting on the 29th of March 2024. Previously, on February 4th, the account location was logged in the city of Mozdok in Russia. The position in Mozdok is located next to the bases of Military Unit 3737 and Military Unit 5592. Additionally, the location is approximately 3 kilometers away from Mozdok airfield.
Telegram location on Google Earth map
Another account with the username ”Ivan” spelled in Cyrillic shared its location at different parts of the base. The profile picture of the Telegram account displays a Russian soldier. Data leaks show that the phone number connected to the account is registered to a man by the name of Aleksander Sergeevich Miraslavsky. According to the leaks, Miraslavsky was born on July 10th, 1982, and is a resident of Krasnodar Krai in Southern Russia.
Screenshot of Telegram account
A third account with the username “D” shared its location at the base. On January 11th and 17th, the account was logged in two locations in the city of Petushki in Russia. Both of the locations appear to be residential buildings.
With this information in mind, it is highly probable that the Africa Corps maintains an active presence at its base in Loumbila with combatants from Russia.
Cover image credit: African Initiative
Article by: Ryan (Lead Researcher)