Russia has arguably expanded its influence throughout Africa, deepening ties in North Africa to increasing its reach in the Central African Republic and the Sahel and rekindling Cold War ties in southern Africa. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov this week made diplomatic visits to Mali, Mauritania and Sudan. VOA's Paul Ndiho spoke to Joseph Siegle, director of research at the Washington-based Africa Center for Strategic Studies, who shares his insights on Russia and its presence in Africa.