YEVGENY Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, has praised the military coup in Niger, calling it a long-awaited liberation from Western colonisers. Although a voice message on Telegram channels associated with Wagner did not explicitly claim involvement in the coup, Prigozhin hinted at offering his fighters’ services to ensure stability and security in the country.
The voice message released on Thursday evening emphasised the struggle of Niger’s people against foreign colonizers imposing their rules and conditions on the nation. Prigozhin stated that the coup marked Niger’s effective gaining of independence, leaving the future governance and effectiveness in the hands of the citizens.
Niger’s political situation remains uncertain since soldiers declared a military coup and detained President Mohamed Bazoum at the presidential palace. As one of the world’s poorest countries but with significant uranium deposits, Niger holds strategic importance.
Despite leading a failed mutiny against the Russian army’s top brass, Prigozhin continues to be active in Africa. He and his mercenary group still hold security contracts in countries like the Central African Republic (CAR) and express ambitions to expand their influence in the region.
Prigozhin’s apparent freedom of movement raises questions about the post-mutiny deal, which was supposed to see him relocate to Belarus. Recent sightings and appearances indicate that he remains in Russia and may play a continuing role in Wagner’s activities in Africa.
Alongside the voice message, photographs have emerged on Telegram showing Prigozhin meeting African delegates at the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg. The sightings suggest Wagner’s involvement in furthering the Kremlin’s foreign policy agenda in Africa.
The Wagner mercenary boss boasted of his group’s alleged efficiency in stabilizing and developing African nations in his voice message, presenting a sales pitch for their services.
While Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, called for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger, Prigozhin’s continued appearances indicate that Wagner’s private military company (PMC) will continue to influence the Kremlin’s foreign policy objectives in Africa.
Analysts view Prigozhin’s return to Russia and his recent appearances as part of Wagner’s strategy to project normalcy and business as usual. The ongoing Summit provides an opportunity for Moscow to reassure African partners about the continuity of PMC services amid uncertainties stemming from the past month’s events.
