The Future of Wagner and Russia's Presence in Africa and the Middle East

Following the presumed death of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the leader of the private military company Wagner, a power vacuum has emerged, leading to a struggle for control among the Kremlin, internal Wagner factions, and outside paramilitary forces. Andrei Troshev, a former lieutenant colonel in Russia's ministry of internal affairs, has emerged as a potential contender to lead the group. The Kremlin is planning to absorb Prigozhin's security contracts in Africa, while other paramilitary groups linked to the Defense Ministry are also seeking to expand their operations on the continent. Despite Prigozhin's efforts to maintain his influence, it is likely that Wagner's operations will continue under new leadership chosen by Russia.