Page 10 - The Indian EYE 071423

OPINION JULY 14, 2023 | The Indian Eye 10

What Would be

PMC Wagner Group’s

Future Role in Africa?

Yevgeny Prigozhin implemented Russia’s interests in Africa through a network which is often

referred to as the ‘Company’. One such group belonging to the ‘Company’ is the private military

company (PMC) known as the Wagner Group, which has conducted several paramilitary and

political operations in Libya, Sudan, Mozambique, the CAR and Mali

ABHISHEK MISHRA

frica has become an essential
element of Russia’s geostra-
Ategic posture in recent years
as Moscow seeks to evade its inter-
national isolation and sanctions.
However, facing isolation and a con-
tracting economy, Russia has come
to the realization that cultivating an
entry point into Africa through con-
ventional means like foreign direct
investment (FDI), trade, develop-
ment assistance, or cultural and ed-
ucational exchanges, is not its best
option. Instead, Moscow has chosen
the path of a disruptor to elevate its
influence on the African continent.

At every possible opportuni-
ty, it has colluded with African
elites, systematically attempt-
ed to undermine democracy

across every region in Africa,
has enabled authoritarian re-
gimes, while simultaneously
conducting sophisticated dis- Wagner boss Prigozhin’s brazen rebellion on 23 June 2023 and the deal he cut with President Putin to end it, clearly have implications for

information campaigns infused Wagner’s operations in Africa (File photo)
with messaging on upholding
non-interference and African sit atop Russia’s state-controlled military company (PMC) known as However, Wagner boss Prigozhin’s
natural resource conglomerates.
the Wagner Group, which has con-
brazen rebellion on 23 June 2023 and
empowerment. A notable example is businessman ducted several paramilitary and po- the deal he cut with President Putin
Yevgeny Prigozhin, who implement- litical operations in Libya, Sudan, to end it, clearly have implications
Most Russian activities in Africa ed Russia’s interests through a net- Mozambique, the CAR and Mali. for Wagner’s operations in Africa.
from mid-2010 onwards have been work which is often referred to as the In recent times, Wagner has act- The dissolution of Wagner in Africa
conducted by President Vladimir Pu- ‘Company’. One such group belong- ed as a proxy for Moscow in extend- would entail bad news for African
tin’s close associates, many of whom ing to the ‘Company’ is the private ing Russian influence across Africa. Continued on next page... >>

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