The Russian Wagner Group is far more than just a mercenary army in Africa.
It specifically pursues political and economic interests in several countries.
Cape Town – The activities of the Russian Wagner Group – the Kremlin-affiliated private military company – in several African countries are an open secret.
Far less well known is that the notorious group also pursues a political and economic agenda in Africa, according to a new report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.
And already in more than a dozen countries.
Wagner wants to stir up anti-West sentiment and profit economically, says lead author Julia Stanyard.
Since Wagner's first documented military deployment in Africa in late 2017, the group, led by Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin - a close ally of Vladimir Putin - has expanded aggressively.
In the meantime, Wagner is politically involved in more African countries than militarily, says Stanyard.
And often in exchange for mining concessions.
Because of the Ukraine war: Africa is gaining in strategic importance for Putin
According to Stanyard, Wagner operates in a legal “grey area” of legal and illegal trade.
These included criminal activities such as violence against civilians by mercenaries, disinformation campaigns and election rigging, through to the smuggling of raw materials on an industrial scale.
According to the Global Institute, numerous Russian mining companies are based on the continent, often covertly.
Especially since the start of the Ukraine war, Africa has gained strategic importance for Russia, says Priyal Singh from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).
Africa's mineral wealth and energy needs allow the Kremlin to circumvent Western sanctions.
Arms trading and mercenary operations are used in a targeted manner to expand political and economic influence.
According to the ISS, a number of Russian state-owned companies have now gained a foothold in Africa: Alrosa concentrates on diamond mining in Angola and Zimbabwe, while the oil company Rosneft conducts oil and gas exploration in Nigeria and other countries.
The Russian nuclear company Rosatom focuses on the development of nuclear energy.
Other Russian energy companies, such as Gazprom and Lukoil, have also increased their presence with significant investments in Angola, Uganda, Egypt and Algeria.
It is important for Wagner to create alternative routes for the transport of raw materials and weapons.
According to the Global Initiative, Wagner wants to develop Cameroon's port city of Douala and Kenya's capital Nairobi as logistic hubs.
Putin's circle of power in the Kremlin - the confidants of the Russian President
Putin's circle of power in the Kremlin - the confidants of the Russian President
Wagner in Africa: Putin's private army helps authoritarian regimes
A prime example of Wagner's strategy is the Central African Republic, where President Faustin Archange-Touadéra has given the group access to mineral resources such as diamonds, gold and timber in exchange for military and political support.
Wagner is now so firmly anchored there that the group is literally taking over the state, says Stanyard.
Nearly a dozen elections are due to take place in Africa over the next 18 months.
A hot phase for Wagner.
Russia is focused on supporting authoritarian regimes, says Cayley Cliffort of the South African Institute for International Affairs.
Means to an end are disinformation campaigns that promote the Russian agenda and create sentiment against the "imperialist" West.
Wagner financed campaigns, provided "observers" and manipulated elections.
A report by the South African Electoral Commission shows that last year the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party received the equivalent of almost 800,000 euros from the mining company United Manganese of Kalahari Ltd, whose investors reportedly include the sanctioned Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg.
The amount reportedly funded the ANC party convention in December, which confirmed President Cyril Ramaphosa as the presidential candidate for the 2024 elections.
(Kristin Palitza)
