Despite denials from the governments of these countries, Wagner's presence in Africa is undeniable to many observers. Western nations have been imposing sanctions on the organization for alleged human rights violations.

The UK has imposed sanctions on 13 individuals and entities linked to the paramilitary Wagner Group in three African countries. The announcement was made on Thursday, July 20, to limit their financial freedom. The sanctions include preventing British citizens, businesses, and banks from engaging with them, freezing their assets in the UK, and imposing travel bans.

Notably, the sanctions target three high-ranking Wagner officials in Mali and CAR, accused of deliberately targeting civilians during operations, including the "right-hand man" of Yevgeny Prigozhin. In Sudan, at least five other entities and individuals involved in activities threatening peace and stability, such as disinformation campaigns and military equipment supply, have been targeted.

This announcement comes after the Wagner Group, accused of being Moscow's armed arm in Africa, entered open conflict with the Russian government a few weeks ago. On the evening of June 23, Yevgeny Prigozhin rebelled against the Kremlin after accusing the Russian army of conducting deadly strikes on their fighters' camps in Ukraine.

Twenty-four hours later, he ordered his troops marching towards Moscow to return to their bases to "avoid bloodshed," following mediation by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. After the end of the mutiny, Mr. Prigojine called on his men in a video to "regroup for a new journey to Africa".

Andrew Mitchell, British Minister for Development and Africa, emphasized, "The Wagner Group is committing atrocities in Ukraine, as well as acting with impunity in countries like Mali, Central African Republic, and Sudan. Wherever Wagner operates, it has a catastrophic effect on communities, worsens existing conflicts, and damages the reputations of countries that host them.” He added, “These sanctions expose despicable individuals who have commissioned violations of international humanitarian law, holding them to account for the severe harm they are inflicting on innocent civilians for financial gain."

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou