The Future of Wagner and Russia's Presence in Africa

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that the Wagner Group's operations in Mali and the Central African Republic will continue despite the failed rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the mercenaries, against Russian President Vladimir Putin. The paramilitary group is seen by Western governments as Russia's armed foreign policy apparatus. Wagner offers its services and help to prop up anti-Western governments in exchange for access to natural resources. The group exercises influence in the Central African Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso.