Wagner leader Prigozhin promises 'freedom' for Africa
Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin released his first video message after the failed coup. Speaking in military camouflage and with his weapon, Prigozhin drew attention to Africa in the video and claimed that they were working for the people of Africa. The leader of the mercenary group is allegedly in Africa.
Wagner wants justice and happiness for the people of Africa and aims to make life a nightmare for terrorist organizations, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the mercenary group Wagner, said in a video message.
Prigozhin posted a video message after a long pause following the failed 24-hour coup attempt in Russia.
In the June 24 video, posted on Telegram channels affiliated with any Wagner group after the June 24 coup attempt, Prigozhin is seen in military camouflage and armed with a gun, saying his group is making Africa "freer".
"We're working. The temperature is 50 degrees, everything is as we want. Wagner is conducting exploration and exploration activities, making Russia bigger on all continents, Africa freer," Prigozhin says in the message.
He also claimed that they were working for the people of Africa, saying that Wagner was seeking justice and happiness for the people of Africa and that terrorist organizations were aiming to turn their lives into a nightmare.
Prigozhin said that they were working in a wide range of areas and that Wagner was hiring, adding that the group would "continue to fulfill the tasks set".
WAGNER ALLEGEDLY IN AFRICA
There are claims on social media that Prigozhin is in Africa. It is stated that the Wagner leader's statement that it was 50 degrees Celsius and drawing attention to his activities in Africa strengthens these allegations.
Wagner reportedly has considerable power in Africa. His mercenary group is known to be present in Libya, Central African Republic, Mozambique, Mali, and Sudan. There are also allegations of operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
African countries are known to use the combat-experienced Wagner group to suppress terrorist and rebel groups.
There are also allegations that the mercenary group has committed numerous war crimes in Africa.
In an audio recording allegedly belonging to the Wagner leader after the failed coup attempt in Russia, Prigozhin emphasized the importance of the African continent.
Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Wagner forces were heavily involved in capturing the eastern cities of Soledar and Bakhmut. Prigozhin spent months criticizing Russian military leadership and the support it was giving his troops before he called for an armed rebellion.
It posed an unprecedented challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s authority before it was suddenly called off in a deal that required Prigozhin and his fighters to relocate to Belarus.
Source: CNN International
