How Russia has rebranded Wagner in Africa
Russian private military company Wagner has been making headlines in Africa in recent years, but not for the reasons one might expect. Initially known for its controversial operations in Eastern Ukraine and Syria, Wagner has been rebranded by Russia as a tool for spreading influence and securing resources in Africa.
One of the key ways in which Russia has rebranded Wagner in Africa is through its involvement in conflicts such as the Central African Republic (CAR) and Libya. In the CAR, Wagner has been supporting the government by providing security services and training the local military, while in Libya, Wagner has been backing the forces of General Khalifa Haftar in the ongoing civil war.
Another way in which Russia has rebranded Wagner in Africa is through its involvement in resource extraction. Wagner has been linked to mining operations in countries such as Sudan and Zimbabwe, where it has been accused of exploiting natural resources for the benefit of Russian interests.
Overall, Russia’s rebranding of Wagner in Africa highlights the country’s growing ambitions on the continent and the use of private military contractors as a tool for achieving its geopolitical goals.