Wagner Group continues operations abroad

The Wagner Group, known as Moscow's military flank abroad, will maintain its operations in Mali and the Central African Republic, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This comes amid an internal rebellion led by its chairman, Yevgeny Prigozhin, which raises concerns about the group's future presence in multiple countries. Lavrov assured that the rebellion within Wagner will not affect relations between Moscow and its allies.  

Sergey Lavrov highlighted the perceived neglect felt in the Central African Republic and Mali by Europe and France as factors that have prompted these nations to seek support from Russia and the Wagner Group. They have turned to the organisation for military trainers and to ensure the security of their leaders. Lavrov made the remarks in an interview with Russian broadcaster RT. 

As reported by Al-Arab, political analyst Besirou Doumbia in Mali said: "Wagner's presence in Mali is sponsored by the Kremlin. If Wagner is at odds with the Kremlin.... Mali will naturally suffer the consequences on the security front". The country has faced political instability with two coups in 2020 and 2021, as well as an ongoing battle against Islamist militants. 

However, the alliance between Mali and Russia, especially with Wagner's involvement, has strained relations with the UN and Western powers. The latter claim that Wagner's fighters, along with Malian forces, may have committed war crimes. Both the Malian government and Russia have denied these allegations. 

Since 2018, the Wagner Group, made up of Russian fighters from the former Soviet Union and Syrians, has been assisting the Malian government in countering rebel movements. This collaboration, coupled with Russia's growing influence in Francophone Africa, has raised concerns among Western powers, particularly France, a former colonial power in the region. French President Emmanuel Macron has criticised Wagner's deployment in Africa, calling it "life insurance for failed regimes in Africa" and predicting increased misery. 

Earlier, the US also accused Wagner of exploiting the natural resources of the Central African Republic, Mali and other countries to finance its activities, including the conflict in Ukraine. Russia rejected these accusations.  

But leaked US documents have revealed Wagner's significant involvement in at least eight African countries, including Mali, the Central African Republic and Libya, where the group has established strong relationships with local governments. 

Following the rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a deal has been struck forcing him into exile in Belarus, a close ally of Moscow. This agreement forces a reassessment of Prigozhin's relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.  

In addition to their presence in Mali, Wagner's mercenaries have played an important role in Syria since 2015, acting as 'special forces' alongside the Russian army.   

The group's presence has also been detected in Africa, in countries such as Libya, Sudan and Mozambique, among others. According to a European military source, Wagner is involved in the extraction of gold and minerals from Central Africa and Mali, which benefits the Russian economy.  

In February, the UN independent expert on the human rights situation in Central Africa, Yao Agbetsi, accused the Russian army and its allies, including Wagner, of committing abuses. In response, the EU imposed new sanctions against the group.  

The future course of events depends on negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. 

Pauline Bax, deputy director of the International Crisis Group's Africa programme, said: 'Wagner has had some leeway with its projects in Africa. Without the cooperation of the Russian Defence Ministry, I don't see how the group could continue to work there". However, she believes an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from the continent is unlikely. 

The situation remains complex and sensitive, with potential implications for regional security and international relations. The continued presence of the Wagner Group in Mali and CAR, despite internal turmoil, raises questions about the dynamics between Moscow, its allies and Western powers.    

As events unfold, the implications for the countries concerned and the overall balance of power in Africa will become clearer.