NB/ I may not explain the Russian influence fully here because it gets buried under several comments.
Instead, you can subscribe to my newsletter as I have comprehensively written this issue with deep insights and notify you.
Otherwise, I always appreciate this community 🙏
The strenght of the country is dependent on the immunity of the institutions.
The country will always have individuals with twisted characters and it is upon the Constitution to stamp its authority.
Trump has always find a way to win over anything even through unconstitutional means
A case in point is the Wagner Group. It is not new to America only
The Wagner Group is a Russian private military company that has been involved in various conflicts around the world, often operating in support of Russian interests. They have been active in countries like Ukraine, Syria, and Libya, among others. The Wagner Group is known for its role in providing military support, training, and security services to governments or non-state actors.
As a private paramilitary with links to Kremlin, Wagner Group has had its footprints in Africa since 2017 and often acts as the propagator of the Russia's foreign policies. Its intention is to offer military support to some of the African countries embroiled in unendless conflicts, alongside propaganda.
Established by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a business mogul, in 2014 during Russia's annexation of Crimea, the Wagner Group is a complex network of business men with links to the Russian military. Evidence suggests that the entity has more than 5000 members comprising foreign nationals, former military officers, and convicts.
"The Wagner Group got involved in Africa for its own reasons, [such as] private money making. But more recently, the Kremlin has found this a useful adjunct to what it’s trying to do diplomatically.” Graham Thomas, the head of CFR said. Russia has always wanted to bypass the United Nations through Africa by staging its presence in the continent.
The Wagner Group started its operations in Aftican countries such as Mali, Sudan, Central African Republic, and Libya, as these countries are still engrossed in deep internal conflicts. Russia understands that these African countries have strenuous relationships with the West, especially the United States because of political differences and colonial injustices.
How Wagner Group Works
The Wagner Group often targets rebels as well as regimes, by offering them with either financial resources and asking them to concede some of the resources.
Security Support
The Wagner Group often train militaries of the vulnerable regimes as recently seen in CAR whereby Touadera hires them to provide personal security as well as training its CAR army in order to capture its coup. They were granted logging rights and access to the Ndassuma gold mines. Similarly, since 2027, the Wagner Group has been protecting the government of imprisoned Omar El Bashir by targeting those opposed to him, safeguarding mineral resources. In return, the Russian government benefited from the gold. Similarly, in Mali, the Group has granted its aircraft military to the government.
Propaganda
The Internet Research Agency (IRA) and the Association for Free Research and International Cooperation (AFRIC) are owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin and they are mostly involved in spreading misinformation. These agencies worked with individuals drawn from Ghana and Nigeria to meddle with the US 2016 elections. They have worked in African countries such as Zimbabwe and Mozambique. These agencies have as well staged anti-French protests and anti-Western unrests.
Repercussions
The Wagner Group has been accused of violating human rights and further worsening the security of the region. In Tripoli, while working with Libyan National Army carried out extra judicial killings and implanting bombs or land mines in civilian regions.
Excellent summary of the Wagner Group. They have been deforesting Africa for a while now and also becoming involved in mining.
Anyone disagrees with them? Dead.
The odd thing about the Wagner group is how long they have been on the loose with no push back or other Western interference.
Maybe the Wagner group looks a little familiar to the West? Since, we (the west) USED to treat Africa and its resources as it if we owned them, and, if you don't like it?
Mike S, if Wagner Group activities seem familiar, some of that familiarity may derive from American organizations like the Blackwater Security group, founded by ex-Navy SEAL Erik Prince, whose organization seems to keep morphing into other holding companies, shell companies and conglomerates (aka: Xe Services, Academi, Constellis Holdings) all apparently bent on profits derived from "violence for hire" kinds of arrangements.
Colette, I was about to point out that Betsy DeVos is his sister, and did her best to program public education to the detriment of our children. Thanks for pointing that out.
Thank you so much for this link. As I read, all I could think of was the extreme weaponization to which the US has transitioned. The covert aspect of the progression of this private security entity is stunning as it shifts its name, its reach and its governing with a board of directors that include John Ashcroft and other Bush era affiliated members. The depth, scope of its weaponizing and profiteering (aided by massive US government contracts) is exhausting.
My thread with Keith Wheelock alongside this community is rich with information about the Wagner Group and its operations.
Again, I am thankful to Keith Wheelock for such a candid conversation. Coincidentally, Keith Wheelock has set its foot in war-torn countries like Angola and I will find time to interview and get primary data about private military operations.
Subscribe to my newsletter to get fuller and hard-to-find information about Africa and the rest of the world.
The Kremlin has been using The Wagner Group to foster its foreign interests. As an authoritative country, its wants to have its way by masquerading as offering security in warn-torn countries. The Western has fears regarding reactions from Russia since it believes it can trigger another World War that it is not ready to do in the 21st century.
Some of you have been emailing me separately about this subject. This week, following the breaking news that the Wagner Group wanted to oust Vladimir Putin, I will deeply, detail by detail, expound on the economic, human rights, and social atrocities committed by this private military group. I will also explain how it meddled with the US 2016 elections. If you have time, you can follow my newsletter for free and get one on one engagement with my community as well plus broad perspectives🙏
My thread with Keith Wheelock is rich with information about the Wagner Group and its operations. Again, I am thankful to Keith Wheelock for such a candid conversation. Coincidentally, Keith Wheelock has set its foot in war-torn countries like Angola and I will find time to interview and get primary data about private military operations.
Subscribe to my newsletter to get fuller and hard-to-find information about Africa and the rest of the world.
Edwin, I, too, find Keith’s contributions here, based on his vast experience on the world stage, to be fascinating and interesting. He is a wealth of knowledge and brings a perspective of a “world” I know nothing about.
Keith Wheelock has been in Africa, especially Angola and CAR. He brings primary and behind-the-scenes information about the Wagner Group. I will carry out an interview with Keith Wheelock to bring more issues to light. My engagement with him is topnotch.
Subscribe to my newsletter for I will talk with him.
Thank you so much Barbara Keating. Expect more experiences, knowledge, and behind-the-scenes of the African historical issues and its relationships with the rest of the world.
Edwin I read that the name of the Wagner Group related to a neo-Nazi group and Wagner was the national composer who was highlighted during Hitler’s reign.
Keith, FYI regarding the name 'Wagner'. ''A 2021 BBC investigation highlighted the suspected involvement of former Russian army officer Dmitri Utkin.'
'A veteran of Russia's wars in Chechnya, he is thought to have been Wagner's first field commander, and to have named the group after his former radio call sign.'
Yes, the Wagner bears resemblance to the German names and I think the group draws a lot of inspiration from the earliest Nazi Group. It gathers intelligence from the war-torn countries and used it to their advantage. I will write about that composer.
Pleasure to know that. But, could it be possible that they also draw inspiration from Richard Wagner, the German artist whom the Nazis used his songs to wage their anti-semitic campaign?
Why spread rumors? I think it is better to state the facts. You may be correct, but I prefer evidence as scapegoating is so common and harmful as you well know of the Nazis using it to such lethal effect.
True. I only wanted to be broad-based. Thank you for that information. I will check that Wagner signal sign and write about its meaning. Or what could it be?
I saw that as well. I had to confess that I like some of Wagner's music. There is a new book out called Monsters, which I have not read, which deals about artists, writers, composers, who were not nice people.
Actually, it is evidenced that Richard Wagner (which I believe the Russian group used, though I am not sure,) was an artist, writer, and song composer. He was an anti-semitic, but his work was only used by the Nazi regime to justify their heinous actions after he had died.
He was most known for his music and very long operas about Nordic myths. And yes, he was anti-Semitic and used by the Nazis who purged the concert repertoire of anything written by Jews. Most people would recognize The Ride of the Valkyries, used in Apocalypse Now.
Is there a nascient group like the Wagner Group in the US? If tfg is as certain that he is the chosen leader for America, would he trust the establishment military to back him? Or, is there a force being formed to ensure his will be done in the US? We do have some strong traditions in paramilitary groups and in subcontracting functions once only provided through government agnenices. Tfg was,a great admirer of Putin, his style, and other dictators who sought to have their own security or army (e.g., DeSantis, I jest).
The Wagner Group has been financed by the Russian state. Putin appears to be figuring out control of it since the splint with Yevgeny Prigozhin.
What is to happen to Wagner Group? Is Putin the one to be figuring that out now?
Below are summaries of the history and function of the Group. We do not know its future or that of Prigozhin and, perhaps, even Putin.
The following are reports covering the past year and a half, will provide a sense of it as a service as well as a tool for Putin, Prigozhin and Russia.
'What is Russia's Wagner group of mercenaries and why did it march on Moscow?'
__ 'The Wagner group was first identified in 2014, when it started backing pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. It is thought to have helped Russia annex Crimea in the same year.'
'Wagner forces have also been active in Africa and the Middle East.'
'Yevgeny Prigozhin claims he founded Wagner in 2014. A wealthy businessman and convicted criminal, he is nicknamed "Putin's chef" because he provided catering for the Kremlin.'
'A 2021 BBC investigation highlighted the suspected involvement of former Russian army officer Dmitri Utkin.'
'A veteran of Russia's wars in Chechnya, he is thought to have been Wagner's first field commander, and to have named the group after his former radio call sign.'
Mr Prigozhin boosted Wagner's numbers in 2022 by recruiting Russian prisoners.
'Where else does Wagner operate?'
'Since 2015, Wagner mercenaries have been in Syria, fighting alongside pro-government forces and guarding oilfields.'
'It also has troops in Libya, supporting the forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar.
The Central African Republic (CAR) uses Wagner to guard diamond mine. The group is also thought to protect gold mines in Sudan.'
'The government of Mali, in West Africa, uses the group against Islamic militant groups.
It is not yet clear who will now take command of these troops.'
'How does Wagner make money?'
'Russia paid Mr Prigozhin for providing Wagner troops to fight in Ukraine, says Dr Miron.
"He is one of several wealthy Russians who run private mercenary forces," she says. "Even the defence minister owns a mercenary company."
'According to President Putin, Wagner was given 86.26bn roubles ($1bn) from the defence ministry and state budget between May 2022 and May 2023 to pay wages.
He said authorities would investigate how the money paid to Wagner was spent.
Mr Prigozhin has also made money from Wagner's presence in other foreign countries, according to the US Treasury.'
'His companies are said to have profited from gold and diamond mines in the CAR and Sudan.'
'US authorities also say that an energy company linked to Mr Prigozhin was offered a 25% stake in all oil or gas fields in Syria which Wagner won back from Isis control.'
The US has announced sanctions against several of his companies
• What interests do Russian mercenaries have in Sudan?
• US sanctions boss of Wagner group in Mali (BBC) See link below
'Russia's Wagner Group in Africa: More than mercenaries'
"Wagner itself has developed over time as an organization that's gone from being a purely private military contracting entity into a multiplicity of business alliances and relations, and a network of companies. Some of them front companies across the countries in which they operate on the African continent," analyst Julian Rademeyer told DW recently at the Munich Security Conference. "It operates in this legal gray zone between illicit activities and more legal illicit activities. And it straddled those quite, quite effectively."
'Sudan: Russia's 'key to Africa'
'Sudan has long been a particular focus for Wagner mercenaries, and there are many of them there. Back during the rule of the dictator Omar al-Bashir, who was in power from 1993 to 2019, licences already went to the Russian firm "M-Invest," which is probably under the control of oligarchs, including Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin. This led to Wagner members being given the job of protecting the M-Invest gold mines in Sudan.'
'According to various media reports, observers are saying that Russia is mostly concerned with securing access to Sudan's valuable resources, which include manganese and silicon, alongside gold. Russia is also particularly interested in the uranium deposits, with which
'Africa's hunger for energy is also to be assuaged.'
'Wagner Group: A vehicle for Russian influence'
'Rademeyer, who works at the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), sees the Wagner Group as primarily a Kremlin military tool to boost Russia's economic and military influence in Africa. Sudan is just one of many countries where it is being employed.'
'With his colleagues at GI-TOC, he recently published a report on Wagner in Africa. "We argue in the report that the Wagner mercenary group, the Wagner private military group, is the most influential Russian actor operating in Africa today, and that its activities and the network of front companies that bolster it are a malign influence on the continent,” he said.'
'Central African Republic: Rare woods, gold, sugar and alcohol'
'International research has found that the Wagner brand is active in areas that extend far beyond security. In July, All Eyes on Wagner partnered with 11 European media outlets to uncover how the group has been raking in massive profits with precious tropical timber from the Central African Republic. According to the report, the government in Bangui granted a subsidiary unrestricted logging rights across 187,000 hectares (722 square miles).'
'The case of the Ndassima gold mine, also in the Central African Republic, is similar. Reports say that a concession was withdrawn from a Canadian mining company in favor of one from Madagascar that appears in the GI-TOC report as a Wagner subsidiary. Research by The Africa Report magazine traces how the Wagner network allegedly imported heavy mining equipment through the Cameroonian seaport of Douala. Up to three truck convoys are organized weekly from Bangui to Douala to transport the raw materials, under the protection of Wagner members with heavy weapons.'
'Follow the money'
'The Wagner Group appears to be ever diversifying its businesses in the Central Africa Republic. Trying, for example, to force French sugar company SUCAF out of the market, said Joseph Bendounga, head of the MDREC opposition party there.'
'Another example: "They are in the process of framing the French brewery Castel for supporting and financing terrorist forces," he told DW. "In all areas that bring in money, including customs and taxes, the Russians are the masters."
'The First Industrial Company, which produces beer and spirits in Bangui — and, according to the GI-TOC report, is apparently registered to a Russian businessman tied to Wagner — could benefit from this. (Deutsche Welle (DW) is Germany's international broadcaster and one of the most successful international media outlets. We provide impartial news and information, giving people worldwide the opportunity to form their own opinions, assess issues of local and global significance and participate in social debates as active and informed citizens.)
When I encounter a new source, which is informative, I check out its background and learned the following about DW.
‘Funding and regulation DW is funded through the German federal tax budget. Regulated by the Deutsche Welle Act, DW fulfills its program mission free from government influence. DW has about 4,000 employees worldwide and 16 global offices Brussels; Washington D.C.; London; Beirut; Kyiv; Lagos; Cape Town; Riga (formerly Moscow); Nairobi; New Delhi; Taipei; Bogotá; Warsaw; Jerusalem; Istanbul.'
''What we do As an international broadcaster, DW provides impartial news and information so that people can form their own opinions, assess local and global issues and participate in social debates as active and informed citizens. We produce distinctive, regionally relevant and dialogue–oriented content in 32 languages focussing on six topics: freedom and human rights, democracy and good governance, free trade and social justice, technology and innovation, health education, nutrition and environmental protection, and German and European culture.'
'Who we are We stand for human rights, democracy and freedom, especially freedom of speech and of the press. We take a clear stance against all forms of discrimination, racism, extremism and antisemitism.'
All Eyes On Wagner is another source for information.
'Open source research for accountability.'
'Our mission'
'All Eyes On Wagner is a project focusing on Wagner mercenaries: tracking their activities and verifying claims of human rights and economic abuses. We rely on open source information and witnesses accounts/leads sent to us which are collected, archived and verified. Our objective is to become a reliable source of information on Wagner mercenaries for key human rights organisations'
'Who we are'
'The project has been historically initiated by OpenFacto, a French not for profit organisation with expertise in open-source investigations (OSINT). AEOW is today independent and does not have any financial support.'
'It is managed on a voluntary-basis by a group of 8 volunteers on their free time from different nationalities and backgrounds: journalists, investigators, experts on disinformation, students, humanitarian and academics. Friends and contacts often provide an extra hand: graphism, research, editing, good advice.'
Very true. The Wagner Group has an extensive network intertwined with security military operations. It seems their target is resources to exploit based on their happenings. Their victims are vulnerable countries with rebels.
Sure. It's a typo error. It is 2017. Welcome and you can subscribe to my newsletter for free to get independent, indeph analysis. I will expound on this Wagner Group further
The Wagner Group presence in Africa comes with huge, defrauding economic concessions that have plunged African countries into poverty, and ultimately conflicts, with a point of no return.
Mali
CAR
Mozambique
Zimbabwe
Chad
Libya
Thereafter, Russia again appears in the form of security to 'support military operations ' but with exchange of material concessions.
Edwin My hunch is that Putin was delighted to spread Russian influence in Africa and elsewhere with a cohesive mercenary group. Whether it was Putin’s idea and he encouraged his puppy dog Prigozhin to implement this program we may never know.
What strikes me is the broad range of these mercenaries—from serving as Praetorian Guards to some African dictators to organizing lucrative mineral looting operations.
Publicly we have no info on how these foreign Wagner Groups are organized and operate. I doubt that Prigozhin, physically isolated in Belarus and, presuming with funds—including his own—cut off, will be running multi-national operations.
Yevgeny Prigozhin is the founder of The Wagner Group but it has since morphed into Russian military wing and incorporated a network of business men with interests in economic resources in Africa. It is the modern-day scramble for Africa but with the use of intelligence. Little is known about how Wagner operates but as days goes by, the names of other members will be known. I will try as much as possible to get that intelligence.
Edwin From my years in Congo (1960-1966) mercenary groups were relatively small—from 25 to low 200s. I discuss the largest, Colonel Michael Hoare’s. In my Amazon review of CONGO MERCENARY, in which I also add my personal commentary of my Foreign Service experiences during the 1964 Congo rebellion.
These mercenary groups were foreign organized and funded [at times funding was interrupted]. CIA was a major organizer/funder, including the Congo Air Force staffed by Cubans left over from the Bay of Pigs.
None of these mercenary groups had a long life. In Angola in the 1970s there was a mercenary group engaged with the MPLA (Holden Roberto). Don’t know who funded, but it included a bunch of sadists, including some tried and executed by Angolan government.
I suspect that several of the African Wagner Group mercenaries could become self-supporting, since they have their own industries and some are paid by local dictators.
These mercenary groups were foreign organized and funded [at times funding was interrupted]. CIA was a major organizer/funder, including the Congo Air Force staffed by Cubans left over from the Bay of Pigs.
Edwin In the 1970s the intrusion of major Cuban troops in Angola and Ethiopia was a new dimension. Angola is worthy of study—-MPLA supported by CIA [Holden Roberto was a dilettante, Joseph Sivembi—an impressive local fighter—and the winning Angolans.
Yes, Jonas Savimbi is worthy of study. He and UNITA got support from China and US to seek independence from MPLA that was supported by the Soviet. So, Russia is always on the opposite side of the continent supporters
Edwin In my recollections of the 1960s I mixed MPLA with Holden Roberto’s National Liberation Front. Holder’s group was ‘foo foo dust,’ with a facade in Leopoldville. At one time the Congolese govt provided it $1 million. It was CIA funded. The MPLA was a genuine Angolan independence movement.
I like that you have foreign experience with Congo ( I will contact you to shed more light on this). And true CIA was the funder during that time, but it didn't last. But, currently, The Wagner affiliated mercenaries have their own resources. In fact, their intention is to oust the present-day regime and control resources for use and respond to any dissenting views by employing the Wagner Group. So, they are likely to last for many years.
Edwin My first African experience was leading a small group of college students to the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan in 1954. I made the first (and only?) color documentary on Sudan north and south, since the troubles in the south exploded in early 1955.
I also co-organized the first college African conference in February, 1955. This was a period of hope for independence in Africa. I have met many of Africa’s ‘best and brightest’ through Eisenhower Fellowships over the years. Though there are some excellent individuals, my current thoughts about ‘Africa’ are not exuberant.
Incidentally, when I visited Sudan in 1954 there was only one sovereign African country—Ethiopia.
Wooow. You have deep, historical relations with Africa. I think I will contact you so that you can expound on not only this, but also other broad-based issues revolving around history and Africa.
“Publicly we have no info on how these foreign Wagner Groups are organized and operate. I doubt that Prigozhin, physically isolated in Belarus and, presuming with funds—including his own—cut off, will be running multi-national operations.”
Will his funds be cut off? I have wondered if his lucrative and less constrained work in Africa may have been the carrot that led him to want to get out of Ukraine. I suppose we won’t know (at least not very soon) how independently he can continue his plundering there. But, also I wondered if Putin, being increasingly desperate for💰 might want to keep Prig’s existing infrastructure running in those vulnerable areas? So happy to read of the Biden admin’s sanctions there!
Christy Delighted in your nick name Prig. Who knows what Prig can do without Putin umbrella and $$$.Was he like a Russian candle—high trajectory, big flash, and then fluttering to ground? I wouldn’t want to hold life insurance on Prig—nor try to get money from his various bank accounts.
Edwin, I have not yet read thru all the comments so my apologies if you have already weighed in on these sanctions on Wagner associated companies that Heather referenced in today’s letter. I wonder if you have an opinion on them, particularly, whether they might be meaningful.
You ain't late. Welcome. And Yes, sanctions placed on Wagner-associated companies can be one of the major steps towards taming their influence on Africa and Middle East. But, I am also afraid that Russia might finance them when these sanctions are place. Lessening their presence in Africa and Middle East is a multifaceted issue that needs to be dealt by different countries. It can also include involving rebels through diplomatic means.
You can correct typos and make other edits to any of your own posts: click on the three dots (ellipsis) to the right of the Reply link at the bottom of the post and "Edit" will be an option.
Thanks for following our conversation here with Keith Wheelock. I think I will contact them to derive primary data about this thread. You can subscribe to my newsletter for more detailed conversation.
Of course, Vladimir Putin has always been relying on private intelligence agencies to advance the Russian interests. The Wagner Group is a tip of the ice bag. And wherever they are present, they are not concerned with human rights. Extra judicial killings have been common in where Russia is present
Following yesterday's thread about the Wagner Group, I have prepared a special newsletter with detailed understanding of how Russia is deploying PMCs as its foreign policy tool.
Check my newsletter and subscribe to get novel perspectives about Africa and its relations with the rest of the world 🌎.
" It (referring back to the U.S. Treasury I believe) also sanctioned Industrial Resources General Trading, a Dubai-based company that has funded Prigozhin, as well as a Russian firm and a Russian national working in Mali TO FORCE THOSE STANDING AGAINST THE WAGNER GROUP OUT OF AFRICA."
force those standing AGAINST Wagner out? not force out those SUPPORTING Wagner?
In the next days, together with Keith Wheelock (since she has been to Africa with first hand info), I will interview him about The Wagner Group to further shed light on this.
NB/ I may not explain the Russian influence fully here because it gets buried under several comments.
Instead, you can subscribe to my newsletter as I have comprehensively written this issue with deep insights and notify you.
Otherwise, I always appreciate this community 🙏
The strenght of the country is dependent on the immunity of the institutions.
The country will always have individuals with twisted characters and it is upon the Constitution to stamp its authority.
Trump has always find a way to win over anything even through unconstitutional means
A case in point is the Wagner Group. It is not new to America only
The Wagner Group is a Russian private military company that has been involved in various conflicts around the world, often operating in support of Russian interests. They have been active in countries like Ukraine, Syria, and Libya, among others. The Wagner Group is known for its role in providing military support, training, and security services to governments or non-state actors.
As a private paramilitary with links to Kremlin, Wagner Group has had its footprints in Africa since 2017 and often acts as the propagator of the Russia's foreign policies. Its intention is to offer military support to some of the African countries embroiled in unendless conflicts, alongside propaganda.
Established by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a business mogul, in 2014 during Russia's annexation of Crimea, the Wagner Group is a complex network of business men with links to the Russian military. Evidence suggests that the entity has more than 5000 members comprising foreign nationals, former military officers, and convicts.
"The Wagner Group got involved in Africa for its own reasons, [such as] private money making. But more recently, the Kremlin has found this a useful adjunct to what it’s trying to do diplomatically.” Graham Thomas, the head of CFR said. Russia has always wanted to bypass the United Nations through Africa by staging its presence in the continent.
The Wagner Group started its operations in Aftican countries such as Mali, Sudan, Central African Republic, and Libya, as these countries are still engrossed in deep internal conflicts. Russia understands that these African countries have strenuous relationships with the West, especially the United States because of political differences and colonial injustices.
How Wagner Group Works
The Wagner Group often targets rebels as well as regimes, by offering them with either financial resources and asking them to concede some of the resources.
Security Support
The Wagner Group often train militaries of the vulnerable regimes as recently seen in CAR whereby Touadera hires them to provide personal security as well as training its CAR army in order to capture its coup. They were granted logging rights and access to the Ndassuma gold mines. Similarly, since 2027, the Wagner Group has been protecting the government of imprisoned Omar El Bashir by targeting those opposed to him, safeguarding mineral resources. In return, the Russian government benefited from the gold. Similarly, in Mali, the Group has granted its aircraft military to the government.
Propaganda
The Internet Research Agency (IRA) and the Association for Free Research and International Cooperation (AFRIC) are owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin and they are mostly involved in spreading misinformation. These agencies worked with individuals drawn from Ghana and Nigeria to meddle with the US 2016 elections. They have worked in African countries such as Zimbabwe and Mozambique. These agencies have as well staged anti-French protests and anti-Western unrests.
Repercussions
The Wagner Group has been accused of violating human rights and further worsening the security of the region. In Tripoli, while working with Libyan National Army carried out extra judicial killings and implanting bombs or land mines in civilian regions.
Excellent summary of the Wagner Group. They have been deforesting Africa for a while now and also becoming involved in mining.
Anyone disagrees with them? Dead.
The odd thing about the Wagner group is how long they have been on the loose with no push back or other Western interference.
Maybe the Wagner group looks a little familiar to the West? Since, we (the west) USED to treat Africa and its resources as it if we owned them, and, if you don't like it?
Dead.
Mike S, if Wagner Group activities seem familiar, some of that familiarity may derive from American organizations like the Blackwater Security group, founded by ex-Navy SEAL Erik Prince, whose organization seems to keep morphing into other holding companies, shell companies and conglomerates (aka: Xe Services, Academi, Constellis Holdings) all apparently bent on profits derived from "violence for hire" kinds of arrangements.
See Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackwater_(company)
Let's not forget that Erik Prince's sister is Betsy DeVos...and we all know who she "kissed up to".
Colette, I was about to point out that Betsy DeVos is his sister, and did her best to program public education to the detriment of our children. Thanks for pointing that out.
Thank you so much for this link. As I read, all I could think of was the extreme weaponization to which the US has transitioned. The covert aspect of the progression of this private security entity is stunning as it shifts its name, its reach and its governing with a board of directors that include John Ashcroft and other Bush era affiliated members. The depth, scope of its weaponizing and profiteering (aided by massive US government contracts) is exhausting.
My thread with Keith Wheelock alongside this community is rich with information about the Wagner Group and its operations.
Again, I am thankful to Keith Wheelock for such a candid conversation. Coincidentally, Keith Wheelock has set its foot in war-torn countries like Angola and I will find time to interview and get primary data about private military operations.
Subscribe to my newsletter to get fuller and hard-to-find information about Africa and the rest of the world.
They seem to be copying the same strategies of entering into war-torn countries and economically benefiting from the resources.
The Kremlin has been using The Wagner Group to foster its foreign interests. As an authoritative country, its wants to have its way by masquerading as offering security in warn-torn countries. The Western has fears regarding reactions from Russia since it believes it can trigger another World War that it is not ready to do in the 21st century.
Prigozhin may have overplayed his hand. US Treasury just levied the first ever sanctions against his financiers, with I believe more to come.
Some of you have been emailing me separately about this subject. This week, following the breaking news that the Wagner Group wanted to oust Vladimir Putin, I will deeply, detail by detail, expound on the economic, human rights, and social atrocities committed by this private military group. I will also explain how it meddled with the US 2016 elections. If you have time, you can follow my newsletter for free and get one on one engagement with my community as well plus broad perspectives🙏
My thread with Keith Wheelock is rich with information about the Wagner Group and its operations. Again, I am thankful to Keith Wheelock for such a candid conversation. Coincidentally, Keith Wheelock has set its foot in war-torn countries like Angola and I will find time to interview and get primary data about private military operations.
Subscribe to my newsletter to get fuller and hard-to-find information about Africa and the rest of the world.
Edwin, I, too, find Keith’s contributions here, based on his vast experience on the world stage, to be fascinating and interesting. He is a wealth of knowledge and brings a perspective of a “world” I know nothing about.
Keith Wheelock has been in Africa, especially Angola and CAR. He brings primary and behind-the-scenes information about the Wagner Group. I will carry out an interview with Keith Wheelock to bring more issues to light. My engagement with him is topnotch.
Subscribe to my newsletter for I will talk with him.
Done!
Thank you so much Barbara Keating. Expect more experiences, knowledge, and behind-the-scenes of the African historical issues and its relationships with the rest of the world.
Edwin I read that the name of the Wagner Group related to a neo-Nazi group and Wagner was the national composer who was highlighted during Hitler’s reign.
Keith, FYI regarding the name 'Wagner'. ''A 2021 BBC investigation highlighted the suspected involvement of former Russian army officer Dmitri Utkin.'
'A veteran of Russia's wars in Chechnya, he is thought to have been Wagner's first field commander, and to have named the group after his former radio call sign.'
Yes, the Wagner bears resemblance to the German names and I think the group draws a lot of inspiration from the earliest Nazi Group. It gathers intelligence from the war-torn countries and used it to their advantage. I will write about that composer.
Edwin, the name 'Wagner' was chosen by Wagner's first commander, who named it 'Wagner' after his radio call sign.
Pleasure to know that. But, could it be possible that they also draw inspiration from Richard Wagner, the German artist whom the Nazis used his songs to wage their anti-semitic campaign?
Why spread rumors? I think it is better to state the facts. You may be correct, but I prefer evidence as scapegoating is so common and harmful as you well know of the Nazis using it to such lethal effect.
True. I only wanted to be broad-based. Thank you for that information. I will check that Wagner signal sign and write about its meaning. Or what could it be?
This was looked into by the BCC, so I am not making any request of you concerning the matter. Thank you.
Name of 'Wagner' looked into by the BBC. Sorry for the typo.
Thank you for that info. I will research that deeply. It must be interesting.
Please do not do any work on my behalf.
Thank you
I saw that as well. I had to confess that I like some of Wagner's music. There is a new book out called Monsters, which I have not read, which deals about artists, writers, composers, who were not nice people.
Actually, it is evidenced that Richard Wagner (which I believe the Russian group used, though I am not sure,) was an artist, writer, and song composer. He was an anti-semitic, but his work was only used by the Nazi regime to justify their heinous actions after he had died.
He was most known for his music and very long operas about Nordic myths. And yes, he was anti-Semitic and used by the Nazis who purged the concert repertoire of anything written by Jews. Most people would recognize The Ride of the Valkyries, used in Apocalypse Now.
Wilhelm Richard Wagner who is most famous for The Ring of the Niberlung operas, was born in1813 and died in 1883.
While he was undoubtedly antisemitic he lived long before Hitler and is remembered mainly for his glorious music.
Is there a nascient group like the Wagner Group in the US? If tfg is as certain that he is the chosen leader for America, would he trust the establishment military to back him? Or, is there a force being formed to ensure his will be done in the US? We do have some strong traditions in paramilitary groups and in subcontracting functions once only provided through government agnenices. Tfg was,a great admirer of Putin, his style, and other dictators who sought to have their own security or army (e.g., DeSantis, I jest).
The Wagner Group has been financed by the Russian state. Putin appears to be figuring out control of it since the splint with Yevgeny Prigozhin.
What is to happen to Wagner Group? Is Putin the one to be figuring that out now?
Below are summaries of the history and function of the Group. We do not know its future or that of Prigozhin and, perhaps, even Putin.
The following are reports covering the past year and a half, will provide a sense of it as a service as well as a tool for Putin, Prigozhin and Russia.
'What is Russia's Wagner group of mercenaries and why did it march on Moscow?'
__ 'The Wagner group was first identified in 2014, when it started backing pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. It is thought to have helped Russia annex Crimea in the same year.'
'Wagner forces have also been active in Africa and the Middle East.'
'Yevgeny Prigozhin claims he founded Wagner in 2014. A wealthy businessman and convicted criminal, he is nicknamed "Putin's chef" because he provided catering for the Kremlin.'
'A 2021 BBC investigation highlighted the suspected involvement of former Russian army officer Dmitri Utkin.'
'A veteran of Russia's wars in Chechnya, he is thought to have been Wagner's first field commander, and to have named the group after his former radio call sign.'
Mr Prigozhin boosted Wagner's numbers in 2022 by recruiting Russian prisoners.
'Where else does Wagner operate?'
'Since 2015, Wagner mercenaries have been in Syria, fighting alongside pro-government forces and guarding oilfields.'
'It also has troops in Libya, supporting the forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar.
The Central African Republic (CAR) uses Wagner to guard diamond mine. The group is also thought to protect gold mines in Sudan.'
'The government of Mali, in West Africa, uses the group against Islamic militant groups.
It is not yet clear who will now take command of these troops.'
'How does Wagner make money?'
'Russia paid Mr Prigozhin for providing Wagner troops to fight in Ukraine, says Dr Miron.
"He is one of several wealthy Russians who run private mercenary forces," she says. "Even the defence minister owns a mercenary company."
'According to President Putin, Wagner was given 86.26bn roubles ($1bn) from the defence ministry and state budget between May 2022 and May 2023 to pay wages.
He said authorities would investigate how the money paid to Wagner was spent.
Mr Prigozhin has also made money from Wagner's presence in other foreign countries, according to the US Treasury.'
'His companies are said to have profited from gold and diamond mines in the CAR and Sudan.'
'US authorities also say that an energy company linked to Mr Prigozhin was offered a 25% stake in all oil or gas fields in Syria which Wagner won back from Isis control.'
The US has announced sanctions against several of his companies
• What interests do Russian mercenaries have in Sudan?
• US sanctions boss of Wagner group in Mali (BBC) See link below
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-60947877
'Russia's Wagner Group in Africa: More than mercenaries'
"Wagner itself has developed over time as an organization that's gone from being a purely private military contracting entity into a multiplicity of business alliances and relations, and a network of companies. Some of them front companies across the countries in which they operate on the African continent," analyst Julian Rademeyer told DW recently at the Munich Security Conference. "It operates in this legal gray zone between illicit activities and more legal illicit activities. And it straddled those quite, quite effectively."
'Sudan: Russia's 'key to Africa'
'Sudan has long been a particular focus for Wagner mercenaries, and there are many of them there. Back during the rule of the dictator Omar al-Bashir, who was in power from 1993 to 2019, licences already went to the Russian firm "M-Invest," which is probably under the control of oligarchs, including Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin. This led to Wagner members being given the job of protecting the M-Invest gold mines in Sudan.'
'According to various media reports, observers are saying that Russia is mostly concerned with securing access to Sudan's valuable resources, which include manganese and silicon, alongside gold. Russia is also particularly interested in the uranium deposits, with which
'Africa's hunger for energy is also to be assuaged.'
'Wagner Group: A vehicle for Russian influence'
'Rademeyer, who works at the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), sees the Wagner Group as primarily a Kremlin military tool to boost Russia's economic and military influence in Africa. Sudan is just one of many countries where it is being employed.'
'With his colleagues at GI-TOC, he recently published a report on Wagner in Africa. "We argue in the report that the Wagner mercenary group, the Wagner private military group, is the most influential Russian actor operating in Africa today, and that its activities and the network of front companies that bolster it are a malign influence on the continent,” he said.'
'Central African Republic: Rare woods, gold, sugar and alcohol'
'International research has found that the Wagner brand is active in areas that extend far beyond security. In July, All Eyes on Wagner partnered with 11 European media outlets to uncover how the group has been raking in massive profits with precious tropical timber from the Central African Republic. According to the report, the government in Bangui granted a subsidiary unrestricted logging rights across 187,000 hectares (722 square miles).'
'The case of the Ndassima gold mine, also in the Central African Republic, is similar. Reports say that a concession was withdrawn from a Canadian mining company in favor of one from Madagascar that appears in the GI-TOC report as a Wagner subsidiary. Research by The Africa Report magazine traces how the Wagner network allegedly imported heavy mining equipment through the Cameroonian seaport of Douala. Up to three truck convoys are organized weekly from Bangui to Douala to transport the raw materials, under the protection of Wagner members with heavy weapons.'
'Follow the money'
'The Wagner Group appears to be ever diversifying its businesses in the Central Africa Republic. Trying, for example, to force French sugar company SUCAF out of the market, said Joseph Bendounga, head of the MDREC opposition party there.'
'Another example: "They are in the process of framing the French brewery Castel for supporting and financing terrorist forces," he told DW. "In all areas that bring in money, including customs and taxes, the Russians are the masters."
'The First Industrial Company, which produces beer and spirits in Bangui — and, according to the GI-TOC report, is apparently registered to a Russian businessman tied to Wagner — could benefit from this. (Deutsche Welle (DW) is Germany's international broadcaster and one of the most successful international media outlets. We provide impartial news and information, giving people worldwide the opportunity to form their own opinions, assess issues of local and global significance and participate in social debates as active and informed citizens.)
https://www.dw.com/en/russias-wagner-group-in-africa-more-than-mercenaries/a-64822234
When I encounter a new source, which is informative, I check out its background and learned the following about DW.
‘Funding and regulation DW is funded through the German federal tax budget. Regulated by the Deutsche Welle Act, DW fulfills its program mission free from government influence. DW has about 4,000 employees worldwide and 16 global offices Brussels; Washington D.C.; London; Beirut; Kyiv; Lagos; Cape Town; Riga (formerly Moscow); Nairobi; New Delhi; Taipei; Bogotá; Warsaw; Jerusalem; Istanbul.'
''What we do As an international broadcaster, DW provides impartial news and information so that people can form their own opinions, assess local and global issues and participate in social debates as active and informed citizens. We produce distinctive, regionally relevant and dialogue–oriented content in 32 languages focussing on six topics: freedom and human rights, democracy and good governance, free trade and social justice, technology and innovation, health education, nutrition and environmental protection, and German and European culture.'
'Who we are We stand for human rights, democracy and freedom, especially freedom of speech and of the press. We take a clear stance against all forms of discrimination, racism, extremism and antisemitism.'
All Eyes On Wagner is another source for information.
'Open source research for accountability.'
'Our mission'
'All Eyes On Wagner is a project focusing on Wagner mercenaries: tracking their activities and verifying claims of human rights and economic abuses. We rely on open source information and witnesses accounts/leads sent to us which are collected, archived and verified. Our objective is to become a reliable source of information on Wagner mercenaries for key human rights organisations'
'Who we are'
'The project has been historically initiated by OpenFacto, a French not for profit organisation with expertise in open-source investigations (OSINT). AEOW is today independent and does not have any financial support.'
'It is managed on a voluntary-basis by a group of 8 volunteers on their free time from different nationalities and backgrounds: journalists, investigators, experts on disinformation, students, humanitarian and academics. Friends and contacts often provide an extra hand: graphism, research, editing, good advice.'
For question regarding our publications/ right of answer: Sophie Gawner – sophie@alleyesonwagner.org
Website host – WordPress by Automattic Inc., 60 29th Street #343, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States of America
https://alleyesonwagner.org/
Very true. The Wagner Group has an extensive network intertwined with security military operations. It seems their target is resources to exploit based on their happenings. Their victims are vulnerable countries with rebels.
i suspect that by “Since 2027” you meant 2017. Thanks for this helpful summary, Edwin.
Sure. It's a typo error. It is 2017. Welcome and you can subscribe to my newsletter for free to get independent, indeph analysis. I will expound on this Wagner Group further
The Wagner Group presence in Africa comes with huge, defrauding economic concessions that have plunged African countries into poverty, and ultimately conflicts, with a point of no return.
Mali
CAR
Mozambique
Zimbabwe
Chad
Libya
Thereafter, Russia again appears in the form of security to 'support military operations ' but with exchange of material concessions.
Edwin My hunch is that Putin was delighted to spread Russian influence in Africa and elsewhere with a cohesive mercenary group. Whether it was Putin’s idea and he encouraged his puppy dog Prigozhin to implement this program we may never know.
What strikes me is the broad range of these mercenaries—from serving as Praetorian Guards to some African dictators to organizing lucrative mineral looting operations.
Publicly we have no info on how these foreign Wagner Groups are organized and operate. I doubt that Prigozhin, physically isolated in Belarus and, presuming with funds—including his own—cut off, will be running multi-national operations.
Yevgeny Prigozhin is the founder of The Wagner Group but it has since morphed into Russian military wing and incorporated a network of business men with interests in economic resources in Africa. It is the modern-day scramble for Africa but with the use of intelligence. Little is known about how Wagner operates but as days goes by, the names of other members will be known. I will try as much as possible to get that intelligence.
Edwin From my years in Congo (1960-1966) mercenary groups were relatively small—from 25 to low 200s. I discuss the largest, Colonel Michael Hoare’s. In my Amazon review of CONGO MERCENARY, in which I also add my personal commentary of my Foreign Service experiences during the 1964 Congo rebellion.
These mercenary groups were foreign organized and funded [at times funding was interrupted]. CIA was a major organizer/funder, including the Congo Air Force staffed by Cubans left over from the Bay of Pigs.
None of these mercenary groups had a long life. In Angola in the 1970s there was a mercenary group engaged with the MPLA (Holden Roberto). Don’t know who funded, but it included a bunch of sadists, including some tried and executed by Angolan government.
I suspect that several of the African Wagner Group mercenaries could become self-supporting, since they have their own industries and some are paid by local dictators.
I recommend that you read my 2014 review of CONGO MERCENARY.
These mercenary groups were foreign organized and funded [at times funding was interrupted]. CIA was a major organizer/funder, including the Congo Air Force staffed by Cubans left over from the Bay of Pigs.
This part summarises what's happening
Edwin In the 1970s the intrusion of major Cuban troops in Angola and Ethiopia was a new dimension. Angola is worthy of study—-MPLA supported by CIA [Holden Roberto was a dilettante, Joseph Sivembi—an impressive local fighter—and the winning Angolans.
Yes, Jonas Savimbi is worthy of study. He and UNITA got support from China and US to seek independence from MPLA that was supported by the Soviet. So, Russia is always on the opposite side of the continent supporters
Edwin In my recollections of the 1960s I mixed MPLA with Holden Roberto’s National Liberation Front. Holder’s group was ‘foo foo dust,’ with a facade in Leopoldville. At one time the Congolese govt provided it $1 million. It was CIA funded. The MPLA was a genuine Angolan independence movement.
I like that you have foreign experience with Congo ( I will contact you to shed more light on this). And true CIA was the funder during that time, but it didn't last. But, currently, The Wagner affiliated mercenaries have their own resources. In fact, their intention is to oust the present-day regime and control resources for use and respond to any dissenting views by employing the Wagner Group. So, they are likely to last for many years.
Edwin My first African experience was leading a small group of college students to the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan in 1954. I made the first (and only?) color documentary on Sudan north and south, since the troubles in the south exploded in early 1955.
I also co-organized the first college African conference in February, 1955. This was a period of hope for independence in Africa. I have met many of Africa’s ‘best and brightest’ through Eisenhower Fellowships over the years. Though there are some excellent individuals, my current thoughts about ‘Africa’ are not exuberant.
Incidentally, when I visited Sudan in 1954 there was only one sovereign African country—Ethiopia.
Wooow. You have deep, historical relations with Africa. I think I will contact you so that you can expound on not only this, but also other broad-based issues revolving around history and Africa.
My email is dwinkiptoo@gmail.com. we can communicate thereafter
Edwin, I hope you guys connect and share knowledge, expertise, experience and opinion. Look forward to reading any exchange you two post!
Keith this is exactly what I am curious about:
“Publicly we have no info on how these foreign Wagner Groups are organized and operate. I doubt that Prigozhin, physically isolated in Belarus and, presuming with funds—including his own—cut off, will be running multi-national operations.”
Will his funds be cut off? I have wondered if his lucrative and less constrained work in Africa may have been the carrot that led him to want to get out of Ukraine. I suppose we won’t know (at least not very soon) how independently he can continue his plundering there. But, also I wondered if Putin, being increasingly desperate for💰 might want to keep Prig’s existing infrastructure running in those vulnerable areas? So happy to read of the Biden admin’s sanctions there!
Christy Delighted in your nick name Prig. Who knows what Prig can do without Putin umbrella and $$$.Was he like a Russian candle—high trajectory, big flash, and then fluttering to ground? I wouldn’t want to hold life insurance on Prig—nor try to get money from his various bank accounts.
Edwin, I have not yet read thru all the comments so my apologies if you have already weighed in on these sanctions on Wagner associated companies that Heather referenced in today’s letter. I wonder if you have an opinion on them, particularly, whether they might be meaningful.
You ain't late. Welcome. And Yes, sanctions placed on Wagner-associated companies can be one of the major steps towards taming their influence on Africa and Middle East. But, I am also afraid that Russia might finance them when these sanctions are place. Lessening their presence in Africa and Middle East is a multifaceted issue that needs to be dealt by different countries. It can also include involving rebels through diplomatic means.
You can correct typos and make other edits to any of your own posts: click on the three dots (ellipsis) to the right of the Reply link at the bottom of the post and "Edit" will be an option.
Thanks so much, I will. Happy to have a community with you.👏
You're welcome! This is an awesome thread. Thank you and Keith Wheelock!
Thanks for following our conversation here with Keith Wheelock. I think I will contact them to derive primary data about this thread. You can subscribe to my newsletter for more detailed conversation.
Great information. Thank you.
Welcome @kathy Clark. Expect great conversation soon. I love this community.
You then need to click Refresh to see the corrected version.
Pirates for hire.
Of course, they were hired to disrupt peace and get material possession in return.
He is a championship devil in human form. Like Hitler, like so many leaders that stupid humans let run stuff.
Of course, Vladimir Putin has always been relying on private intelligence agencies to advance the Russian interests. The Wagner Group is a tip of the ice bag. And wherever they are present, they are not concerned with human rights. Extra judicial killings have been common in where Russia is present
Thank you for this.
Welcome @susan troy
I will interview Keith Wheelock to get extra information about the Wagner Group since she has been to Angola and CAR targeted by The Wagner Group.
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I'm confused. Is there a typo here?
" It (referring back to the U.S. Treasury I believe) also sanctioned Industrial Resources General Trading, a Dubai-based company that has funded Prigozhin, as well as a Russian firm and a Russian national working in Mali TO FORCE THOSE STANDING AGAINST THE WAGNER GROUP OUT OF AFRICA."
force those standing AGAINST Wagner out? not force out those SUPPORTING Wagner?
Please help.
thank you anyone
Likely a typo. Welcome
In the next days, together with Keith Wheelock (since she has been to Africa with first hand info), I will interview him about The Wagner Group to further shed light on this.
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