A cache of leaked documents appear to show how a close Putin ally is leading a push to turn Africa into a strategic hub with echoes of Soviet-era zones of influence. Luke Harding reports on the Kremlin’s drive to leave its mark on the continent. Plus comedian Jon Stewart tears into US lawmakers over the treatment of 9/11 first responders and emergency services

A former hotdog seller who went on to become a billionaire and key ally of Vladimir Putin is at the centre of a cache of leaked documents that reveal Russian efforts to exert influence in Africa.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is known as “Putin’s chef”, is linked to a secretive private military contractor called the Wagner group which has supplied mercenaries to fight in Ukraine and Syria.

The Guardian’s Luke Harding lays out what Russia’s objectives in Africa are likely to be and why Vladimir Putin has shifted his attention to the continent following US and European sanctions.

Also today: comedian Jon Stewart tears into US lawmakers over the treatment of 9/11 first responders and emergency services