It may not be on the news radar in the English-speaking world, but the turbulence sweeping parts of Africa is the biggest challenge to French influence on the continent in 60 years.

Civilian governments backed by Paris have been toppled in military coups and Russia has wasted little time in taking advantage. The Wagner group was infamous for doing Russia's bidding across Africa, but now a new organisation loyal to Vladimir Putin is infiltrating the region's coup belt.

ABC News Australia - Norman Hermant reports.