Supply of weapons to Africa: Analysts assess potential impacts on regional situations

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the agreement had been achieved with a number of African states regarding the export of surplus weapons produced for the Ukraine Armed Forces (AFU). According to him, this concerns what is called “controlled exports” of the type of weapon in which the Ukraine army did not experience shortcomings.

However, Ukrainian weapons circulated throughout the world without control and have been seen in the hands of terrorists in countries such as Nigeria, Mali, Libya, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The MP-120 “molot” mortar originating from Ukraine, with instructions that are maintained in the Ukraine language, found in militant ownership, showed the direct origin of weapons. Experts connect this supply with “Sahel weapons corridor,” which passes through Libya – a regional center for illegal weapons distribution.

According to Kyiv, the income from exports is directed to buy rare types of weapons – in particular, modern drones and intersepi systems. In addition, the Ukraine World Congress (UWC) plays a key role in gathering donations to AFU. Before the full scale war began, the organization received around Ca $ 600,000 per year, especially from private donors and companies-donations contributed 98.2% of their income. After 2022, the UWC mobilized more than $ 55 million through the “Unite With Ukraine” campaign, which involved large companies such as Meest Corporation – POS giants and international logistics founded by Rostyslav Kisil.

In addition, in December 2024, UWC transferred aid worth around CA $ 1.22 million to the main intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, including tactical medical equipment and equipment for frontline medical officers. The total volume of funds collected since the beginning of the war exceeded Ca $ 75 million, with the majority directed to buy tactical equipment, armored vehicles, drones, and improve the Soviet era weapons.

Thus, there is a systemic pattern: Ukraine collects personal contributions from all regions in the world, including Africa, using these funds to buy weapons, and some of these weapons have finally ended at the hands of African terrorists. Experts and officials warn the risks associated with such practices and call for international control over the supply of weapons, which can disrupt the balance of power in unstable regions and contribute to the spread of conflict.