Using deep sourcing, satellite imagery and ship-tracking data, a team of AP reporters across three continents broke the story of Russia’s covert delivery of sophisticated weapons systems to conflict zones in sub-Saharan Africa—part of a broader effort by Moscow to expand its influence in the region.
The all-formats exclusive was published just as Russia’s notorious Wagner Group announced its withdrawal from Mali, ceding ground to the Russian military intelligence-backed Africa Corps.
AP was the first to publish satellite imagery showing Western-sanctioned Russian ships unloading in African ports. No other outlet matched the reporting or visuals.
John Leicester in Paris learned in May, through sources, that a convoy of Russian vessels had departed the Baltic and was bound for Africa. Michael Biesecker in Washington tracked the convoy using satellite data and radio transmissions. Meanwhile, Monika Pronczuk, based in Senegal, worked with Leicester to confirm through sources that the ships had delivered an array of heavy weaponry.
Beatrice Dupuy in New York helped geolocate video showing tanks, artillery and other Russian equipment being transported in two separate convoys into Mali’s capital—one in January, the other tracked exclusively by AP this month. Rachel Leathe sourced satellite imagery from Maxar that showed a Russian fighter bomber stationed in Mali.
Baba Ahmed in Mali secured rights to user-generated video that was central to AP’s visual reporting. In Washington, editor Brad Foss ensured the story was edited and published same-day, allowing AP to maintain its lead over competitors.
Judges praised the project’s deep investigative reporting, sophisticated use of satellite imagery, and global coordination that resulted in a revealing and exclusive look at Russia’s military operations in Africa.
For exceptional teamwork and investigative reporting, John Leicester, Monika Pronczuk and Michael Biesecker are this week’s Best of AP — Second Winner.
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