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They Wanted to Annoy Russia: Why Is Ukraine Claiming Victory Over Wagner Group in Mali? ("Они хотели досадить России." Зачем Украина приписывает себе победу над ЧВК "Вагнер" в Мали?)
July 30, 2024
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Lenta.ru
The article discusses a recent Tuareg rebel attack on Wagner Group fighters in Mali and the possible involvement of Ukrainian intelligence. While it emphasizes that many claims regarding Ukraine's involvement might be unfounded, it suggests that Ukrainian intelligence could have assisted the rebels in planning their operation to undermine Russia's presence in the region.
Moscow's Protection Now 'More Difficult to Sell' after Mali Disaster—Expert
July 30, 2024
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Newsweek
The report speculates that the ambush by Tuareg rebels that killed dozens of Wagner Group troops in Mali may deter African military juntas from relying on the Kremlin for protection. Wagner has been present in Mali since the military took power in 2021 and is also linked to Burkina Faso and Niger, offering security in exchange for resource access. Following the death of its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, Wagner was brought under Russian government control as Africa Corps. The report mentions increased casualties and strategic blunders by Russian paramilitaries in the Sahel, which could make Russian security services less appealing to African nations.
‘They Turn Our Farms Into Rape Centres': Russian Mercenaries Accused of Abuse in Central African Republic
July 23, 2024
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The Guardian
The report discusses incidents of rape by Wagner group mercenaries in the Central African Republic, with some of the victims being minors. The incidents are part of a rising trend of sexual violence by the mercenaries in the region, leading women and girls to avoid fields and markets, and causing food shortages. Reports indicate that more than 10 girls have been raped by these "white soldiers" since September last year. Sexual violence has been a tactic of war in CAR for years, with Russian mercenaries now notorious for such abuses. The increasing attacks in farmlands are impacting food production and causing significant price increases in local markets.
The Bear Brigade, the Kremlin's New Paramilitary Outfit in Africa
July 14, 2024
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Le Monde
The report discusses the "Bear Brigade," a new paramilitary group which Russia has established to operate in Africa. This group is intended to support Russian interests on the continent and is part of Moscow's broader strategy to expand its influence in the region. The Bear Brigade will complement the activities of the Wagner Group, another Russian paramilitary organization. The creation of this new unit underscores Russia's commitment to maintaining a significant presence in Africa. The Bear Brigade is now present in Burkina Faso and is expected to engage in various operations, including security and military training.
‘We Now Face Guns': Small-Scale Miners Fear Wagner's Advances in CAR
July 10, 2024
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Aljazeera
The report describes the experience of Sadock, a a small-scale miner, in Koki, Central African Republic (CAR) with Wagner PMC mercenaries. Wagner mercenaries seized local gold mines in northwestern CAR, displacing and attacking miners, including executing at least a dozen people in Koki. The Wagner Group has been accused of creating a network to plunder CAR's natural resources, committing numerous atrocities against civilians and miners. Despite moving multiple times to escape violence, Sadock and other miners have faced continuous threats and attacks, leading to many deaths and disappearances. Sadock has now abandoned mining due to the dangers and is living in fear, selling vegetables near the Cameroon border.
Mali's Army, Russian Mercenaries Accused of Killing Dozens of Civilians
July 05, 2024
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VOA News
In June 2024, Mali's army and Russian mercenaries allegedly killed dozens of civilians in the Kidal region, according to civil organizations and community members. The killings reportedly occurred from June 20 to 29 in Abeibara, a former stronghold of Tuareg militants. The Malian military denies knowledge of the killings but acknowledges ongoing military operations nationwide. The violence follows the junta's 2020 break from a peace agreement with Tuareg rebels, leading to increased civilian casualties. Images of the aftermath circulated online, and a civil society group reported at least 60 civilians killed and buried in mass graves, denouncing the actions as ethnic cleansing by Wagner and Malian forces.
Leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso Juntas Form Confederation (Лидеры хунт Нигера, Мали и Буркина-Фасо создали конфедерацию)
July 07, 2024
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DW
The military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have signed an agreement to form a confederation of Sahel states. The leaders of these countries, all of whom came to power through coups, view their break with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as irreversible and are increasingly aligning with Russia. Russian PMC Wagner has actively operated in all three countries, and Russia's military presence remains significant in the region.
President Touadéra Seeks to Build Pro-Western Foreign Policy to Loosen Wagner's Grip
July 02, 2024
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Africa Intelligence
The report discusses the efforts of Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra to curb the growing influence of the Wagner group within his country. He is reportedly seeking to build a pro-Western foreign policy to counter the growing influence of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner. He is receiving support from Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has allegedly been instrumental in reinforcing Touadéra's security and diplomatic efforts. In late June, Touadéra sent a delegation to Kigali to enhance military and economic cooperation with Rwanda. Touadéra's strategy includes improving relations with the United States, aiming for a meeting with President Joe Biden, and gradually loosening Moscow's grip. Additionally, he is working on a regional strategy involving other African nations to strengthen his diplomatic position.
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