WASHINGTON: Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, has warned regarding the activities of Russia’s Wagner mercenaries, highlighting their potential exploitation of the instability following the recent coup in Niger. The neighboring country of Mali has established a partnership with Moscow, raising concerns over Russia’s growing influence in the region.
During an interview with the BBC, released on Tuesday, Blinken expressed doubt that Wagner, which had orchestrated a shadowy rebellion against President Vladimir Putin in June, directly orchestrated the military coup that led to the ousting of Niger’s elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, on July 26. However, Blinken acknowledged that Wagner sought to capitalize on the prevailing instability.
“I think what happened, and what continues to happen in Niger, was not instigated by Russia or by Wagner, but… they tried to take advantage of it,” Blinken stated in the interview, as reported by the BBC. He further emphasized the concerning pattern associated with Wagner’s activities, noting that wherever the Wagner group has operated, it has been followed by death, destruction, and exploitation.
Wagner’s Links to African Nations
Wagner has been linked to various African nations, including Mali and the Central African Republic, triggering accusations of human rights abuses by both international rights organizations and Western governments. Notably, Mali, a country under military leadership, has pivoted towards Russia diplomatically during the ongoing Ukraine conflict, a period marked by Wagner’s involvement.
Mali and Burkina Faso, both countries with alleged ties to Wagner, have expressed support for the coup leaders in Niger. The region’s geopolitical dynamics have been influenced by the departure of French and other international forces from Mali, making Niger a critical base for counterterrorism operations in the Sahel.
Anticipating potential risks, Victoria Nuland, acting deputy of Blinken, visited Niger on Monday and conveyed that the country’s military leadership is cognizant of the associated challenges in collaborating with Wagner.
