Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner Group, a private military company, has made headlines again after being involved in a failed mutiny against the Russian army's top brass recently. In a voice message shared on Telegram app channels linked to Wagner, Prigozhin praised the military coup in Niger as a positive development and suggested that his fighters could contribute to maintaining order in the country.
Although the voice message did not explicitly claim responsibility for the coup, Prigozhin described it as a long-overdue liberation from Western colonizers. He emphasized that the people of Niger were fighting against oppressive conditions imposed on them for centuries. The authenticity of the message, bearing his distinctive intonation and language in Russian, could not be independently confirmed by Reuters news agency.
The situation in Niger remains uncertain as soldiers declared a military coup, holding President Mohamed Bazoum captive in the presidential palace. The country gained full independence from its former colonial ruler, France, in 1960. Prigozhin's voice message suggests that his presence and influence in Africa persist, as Wagner Group continues to hold security contracts in various countries like the Central African Republic (CAR) and aims to expand further.
Despite a reported deal to relocate to neighboring Belarus after the mutiny, Prigozhin seems to enjoy freedom of movement. Recent sightings in Russia, including a meeting with President Putin, indicate his ongoing involvement in African affairs. Earlier this month, a video emerged in which he encouraged his men in Belarus to prepare for a "new journey to Africa."
Coinciding with the voice message release, pictures emerged on Telegram showing Prigozhin meeting with African delegates at the Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg. Reuters verified the location as the Trezzini Palace Hotel, Prigozhin's hometown. The appearance suggests Wagner's potential role in advancing Russia's foreign policy agenda in Africa.
In his voice message, Prigozhin highlighted Wagner's alleged effectiveness in stabilizing and developing African nations. He boasted of their capability to maintain order, combat terrorism, and protect local populations in those countries. Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, expressed the need to restore constitutional order in Niger.
Experts believe that Prigozhin's appearances and continued PMC activities align with Russia's strategy to project normalcy and business as usual. The Summit provides an opportunity for Moscow to assure African partners of their commitment to PMC services amid the recent uncertainties.
Source: Reuters
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