Kremlin Refutes Involvement in Wagner's African Ventures

The Kremlin denies any state involvement in the Wagner mercenary group's business interests in Africa, despite President Putin revealing that Russia's state budget fully financed Wagner. The founder's rupture with the Kremlin raises questions about the fate of Wagner's operations in the Central African Republic, Libya, Mali, and Sudan. Wagner's businesses in CAR include a gold mine, precious hardwood processing, and alcohol production. The United States has imposed sanctions on Wagner-controlled companies, while Russia's military instructors will continue to operate in CAR and Mali. Wagner fighters have been accused of committing various human rights abuses.