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Concerns In Africa as Wagner Leader Dies in Russia Plane Crash

The reported death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, in a plane crash in Russia has raised tension and speculation around the world.

Wagner mercenaries have a strong presence in Africa and they are heavily involved in conflict areas on the continent, particularly in countries such as the Central African Republic and Mali.

The mercenaries are alleged to be in serious talks with Niger Republic for military assistance to contain a possible attack by the ECOWAS standby force, after the regional bloc threatened to restore ousted Mohamed Bazoum to power through military intervention. Whether their support will go ahead, is yet to be seen.

Prigozhin was reported to be on the list of passengers on an aircraft that crashed in the Tver Region, Russian authorities said. Prigozhin has been keeping a low public profile since heading his short-lived mutiny in Russia in June, 2023, which lasted only 24 hours. He last appeared in a video earlier this week which was said to have been filmed in an unspecified location in Africa.

The Grey Zone Telegram channel, which is linked to the mercenary group, reported that "a hero of Russia and true patriot, died as a result of the actions of traitors to Russia".

Africa: Russia in Africa - Prigozhin's Death Exposes Putin's Real Motives On the Continent

The Conversation Africa, 4 September 2023

The apparent assassination of Yevgeny Prigozhin in the crash of his private jet between Moscow and St. Petersburg represents an inflection point in Russian-African relations.… Read more »
Africa: Wagner Group - What Yevgeny Prigozhin's Death Means for Stability in Africa

The Conversation Africa, 30 August 2023

The death of Yevgeny Prigozhin after his private jet crashed on August 23 has raised questions about the Wagner Group's future. Many in the west suspect Kremlin involvement in his… Read more »
Africa: Concern over Niger Crisis As Wagner Boss Prigozhin Allegedly Dies in Plane Crash

Leadership, 24 August 2023

The reported death of the leader of the Russian mercenary group, Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash yesterday has raised tension and speculations around the world… Read more »
Africa: Wagner Group in Africa - Impact of Prighozin's Presumed Death

DW, 24 August 2023

Russia's presence in Africa heavily depends on the Wagner Group, headed by Yevgeny Prighozin. But now there is uncertainty about the private military company's role after a plane… Read more »
Africa: Wagner Group's Operations Likely to be Curtailed After Reported Death of Leader

Daily Maverick, 24 August 2023

It was what many felt was an accident waiting to happen. Almost three months after he seized a military base and led an abortive march on Moscow, killing 13 Russian Air Force… Read more »
Africa: Was Wagner Boss Prigozhin a Dead Man Walking?

Nile Post, 24 August 2023

Ever since he led a mutinous march on Moscow in late June Yevgeny Prigozhin was described by Russia watchers as "a dead man walking". Read more »
West Africa: Russia Upstages Neo-Colonialist France in West Africa

IPS, 11 August 2023

Going back to the 16th century and continuing through the late 1960s, France was described as the world's second largest colonial power--just behind the British Empire. Read more »