Wagner's increasing influence in Africa and US Response

 

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    The Wagner is the network of groups responsible for providing private security. It was originated in Russia but now it has expanded its operations across the globe. Wagner is also fighting for Russia in Ukraine that is a big reason for US and its allies to condemn the group.

    The article emphasizes the growing influence of Wagner, particularly in Africa and counter measures taken by US in this regard.

Why Wagner is getting sour for America day by day:

    In recent years, Wagner has increased its operations in African countries including Central African Republic, Chad, Libya, Mali, and Sudan it its efforts to foster their ties with Kremlin. 

    The group is also found involved in security and propaganda techniques to promote local political leaders and motivate local forces across the countries in Africa. Politico quoted American intelligence officials who shared information on the condition of anonymity. They also alarmed the concerns about increasing influence of Wagner.

    Some more documents obtained by the intelligence show how Wagner under the leadership of Yevgeny Prigozhin, spreads his operations by deploying media networks and forces to the countries in Africa.

    The leak of highly classified documents (around 50 documents) in 2021 by the Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixiera, that has a clear indications of the group's involvement in various activities, had also increased US concerns.

    US fears that the Wagner is taking profits from the businesses in Africa and that it could be used to aid Russia in its efforts to wage wars. Some US experts also believe that the profits that Wagner take from business in mines and minerals from Africa are marginal and could draw little or no impact.

    However, officials in US administration has found some intelligence leaks that attempt to explain usage of Wagner’s international connections, particularly in Africa to draw support in Ukraine war.

  One of the documents leaked alleged that Wagner met with Turkish officials to purchase weapons and equipment that could possibly be used in its operations in Mali and Ukraine.

How is US countering its influence?

    First and foremost, thing that the US is doing to counter Wagner’s influence is sharing of classified information about its movement and operations in Ukraine and other countries, with the African countries.

    In the past, US has only shared information with its European allies but now it has expanded its intelligence sharing module across other regions.

    Secondly, US negotiated the matter with the officials in Burkina Faso, CAR, Chad, Congo and Rwanda. Its diplomats have pressured African countries to ignore working and interactions with the business empire run by Prigozhin.

    Thirdly, US is urging the countries in Africa that, helping Wagner does not only impact the security arrangements in the region but also felt on Ukrainian territory.

    One of the US officials was quoted as saying that “Wagner doesn’t improve security. They are perfectly happy to go out and kill people and pretend that [those people are] terrorists.”

(Courtesy: Politico)