Russian paramilitary group deepens influence in Africa

United Nations officials are concerned about the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization that plays a central role in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Dmitriy “Wagner” Utkin, the founder of the Wagner Group, is expanding his alliances on the African continent, creating partnerships with local fighters and exploiting the departure of Western powers.

Utkin, a former Russian Army officer, wants to consolidate alliances with Mali’s military junta.

With Kremlin support, the paramilitary group has increased its political and military influence in Africa.

The mercenaries are working with the government of the Central African Republic, aiming to capture areas rich in precious minerals.

The Wagner Group also wants to dominate the Burkina Faso region and the Ivory Coast.

In exchange for the support of Russian mercenaries, most African countries refuse to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Wall Street Journal last week released a United Nations report warning that the Wagner Group worked with soldiers in the Central African Republic to overthrow rebels and gain control over at least four areas known for diamond production.

In April 2022, Russian mercenaries reportedly participated in a massacre that killed more than 500 people in a Fulani area of Mali.

With information from Revista Oeste