The uprising of the Wagner militia in Russia and their announced inclusion in the Russian army does not only affect Russia and the war in Ukraine. The mercenaries have become increasingly active all over the world in recent years, especially in Africa. Governments in Mali or the Central African Republic, for example, now face a diplomatic dilemma as they have come to rely increasingly on Wagner mercenaries and displace peacekeepers.
The Wagner group was or is active in a large number of countries. These include proven Syria, Libya, Mali and the Central African Republic. But also in Venezuela, Equatorial Guinea, Zimbabwe, Sudan and Congo, the military company would play a role in one way or another – sometimes as a fighting force, sometimes as security personnel for mines or Russian companies.
Close ties with Russia
More recently, their role has become most apparent in Mali and the Central African Republic, whose governments have so far refused to comment on developments in Russia. Both countries have been trying for years to establish closer ties with Russia and provide military support in the fight against Islamist insurgents and domestic political opponents. “[Wagners]presence in Mali is supported by the Kremlin, and if Wagner is at odds with the Kremlin, Mali will of course suffer the security consequences,” says Malian political scientist Bassirou Doumbia. In Mali, where the army will be in power in 2020 and 2021 came, the Russian military say they do not describe themselves as Wagner mercenaries, but as trainers who help the local troops with equipment bought from Russia.
Russia naturally expects this to have more influence in the region, which is also strategically important for Europe – and is offering governments not only military aid but also further support: Moscow promised Mali last year that fuel, fertilizer and food worth about 100 million dollars (EUR 91.88 million).
Military regimes expelled Europeans
The growing influence of Russian mercenaries, especially in North Africa and other former French colonies, is at the expense of Europeans: Mali’s military regime gradually drove France, Germany and other Europeans from the country who had previously helped in the anti-terrorist fight against Islamists and in stabilizing the country. In February, French President Emmanuel Macron described the deployment of Wagner troops in Africa as a “life insurance policy for failing regimes in Africa” that would bring nothing but misery.
The German Bundestag has just adopted a mandate for Mali providing for the withdrawal of the last Bundeswehr soldiers in 2024. A debate has been raging for months in the federal government as to whether, given the negative attitude of the Malian junta and the presence of Wagner- mercenaries, should not be revoked sooner. The Russian army, together with the Malian army, is also accused of war crimes against the population. The Malian government and Russia have consistently denied these allegations.
What is left of “foreign Wagner troops”?
In Berlin it is said that the consequences for Germany’s deployment cannot yet be answered. “The exact consequences for Mali, in turn, depend on largely unknown factors, such as Wagner’s organizational autonomy and his chain of command,” says Yvan Guichaoua, a lecturer at the Brussels School of International Studies. For example, it is unclear whether after the agreed incorporation of the Wagner mercenaries into the Russian army there will be some kind of “foreign Wagner troop”. Because many regimes deliberately rely on hiring mercenaries who can operate in a legal gray area. Russia would have a problem with the official deployment of Russian soldiers.
Depending on the development, there could also be a significant impact on the Central African Republic. There, hundreds of Russian agents, including many from the Wagner team, have supported the government since 2018 in fighting various rebel uprisings. And shutting down Wagner operations in Africa could also have a significant impact on financial flows. The US, among others, had accused the mercenaries of enriching themselves with mineral resources in Africa.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
