- Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of Wagner mercenary group, remains active despite a previous failed mutiny, and has shown support for Niger's military coup.
- Prigozhin not only praised the coup as a liberation from Western colonizers, but also offered the services of his group to establish order.
- Despite international concerns and accusations about Wagner's activities in Africa, Prigozhin insists his group operates legally and is prepared to extend its presence on the continent.
Prigozhin Celebrates Niger's Coup as a Liberation
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the controversial Wagner mercenary group, has declared his support for Niger's recent military coup, depicting it as a liberation from Western colonizers. In a voice message shared on Wagner-associated Telegram channels, Prigozhin hailed the people of Niger for their struggle against those attempting to impose external lifestyle rules and conditions, harking back to a time when Africa was in a state of colonial control.
Wagner's Proposed Role in Maintaining Order
Following his acclaim for the coup, Prigozhin proposed the services of his fighters to assist in establishing order in Niger. While not claiming direct involvement in the coup, Prigozhin praised the event as a sign of gaining independence and expressed confidence in the people of Niger to achieve effective governance free from colonial influence.
Continuous Activities in Africa Despite Concerns
Prigozhin and his mercenary group have been actively engaged in Africa, continuing to fulfill security contracts in countries such as the Central African Republic (CAR). He recently indicated to an African news outlet that Wagner is prepared to increase its presence in Africa, announcing the arrival of a fresh batch of its fighters in CAR. These actions persist despite the growing concerns and sanctions from Western governments, including France and the U.S., over Wagner's alleged atrocities in Africa.
Prigozhin: A Free and Active Figure Post-Mutiny
Despite his involvement in a failed mutiny against the Russian military top brass, Prigozhin continues to be an active figure. He reportedly enjoys unrestricted movement and even attends meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting his influential status. Recent sightings and photos released on Telegram showed Prigozhin meeting with African delegates during a Russia-Africa summit held in St Petersburg, Russia.
Prigozhin's Praise for Putin and Wagner's Role in Africa
In his voice message, Prigozhin praised Putin for establishing trust-based working relationships with African leaders during the recent Africa summit. He spoke highly of Wagner's efficiency in aiding African nations in stabilizing and developing, showcasing it as a key player in Russia's foreign policy agenda in Africa. Despite international concerns, it seems Wagner's presence in Africa is far from over, signaling a sense of "business as usual."
Final Remarks
While the recent turn of events may seem unexpected, given Prigozhin's failed mutiny and Wagner's controversial role in Africa, they align with the group's and Russia's intentions to maintain a status quo. Observers agree that these developments are a clear indication of Wagner's continued role in advancing the Kremlin's foreign policy in Africa, projecting an image of stability and continuity despite the previous upheaval.