Wagner PMC Chief Appears on Screen in Africa: UPDATE
Potential For Wagner To Expand Across the Continent
Overt Operator
August 23, 2023
UPDATE: August 23, 13:32:00 (1:32pm) New York Local time, Yevgeny Prigozhin was the name of one of the passengers on a private jet that crashed just north of Moscow.
This is a developing story.
A recent video has emerged online featuring Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group, in what is being touted as his inaugural film address since his reported failed uprising against Russia's military leadership this past June.
Following the mutiny, the Wagner PMC has reportedly built a presence in “four countries” within Africa, with the potential to expand, to secure resources on the behalf of the Russian government, PBS Newshour reported in July.
The video clip, believed to have been shot somewhere in Africa, though the nation was unknown, was disseminated on pro-Wagner Telegram channels, accompanied by a contact number for prospective mercenaries to reach out.
Although the exact date of the video remains unclear, it has ignited concerns in Western circles that Wagner Group could be poised to extend its operations in Africa following the recent coup in Niger.
In the video, Prigozhin appears in a combat uniform and says:
"The Wagner PMC makes Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa—more free."
He further asserts the organization's commitment to fostering justice and well-being for the African population while acting as a deterrent to groups such as ISIS, al Qaeda, and other criminal entities. The founder's statements have raised speculations about the potential scope of Wagner Group's future endeavors on the African continent.
The Wagner Group, a private military company known for its shadowy activities and alleged links to the Russian government, has been a subject of international scrutiny due to its involvement in various conflict zones.
While Prigozhin's recent video address does not reveal specific details about the group's planned actions, his mention of recruitment and the pursuit of designated objectives suggests a continuation of the organization's operations.
The video's release coincides with growing concerns about the Wagner Group's potential involvement in Africa, particularly in the aftermath of the coup in Niger. The appearance of Prigozhin in a location believed to be in Africa and his statements about expanding operations have amplified Western apprehensions about the group's intentions and actions on the continen