The paramilitary group Wagner will continue to operate in Mali and the Central African Republic, assured Monday the head of Russian diplomacy, who also affirms that the rebellion of this organization in Russia will not affect the relationship between Moscow and its allies. Wagner members work in Mali and the Central African Republic “as instructors. This work will of course continue”, Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with the RT channel.
Lavrov says Europe has ‘abandoned CAR and Mali’
The Russian minister considered that Europe and France “having abandoned CAR and Mali”, these countries have turned to Russia and Wagner to have military instructors and “ensure the security of their leaders”.
For Westerners, Wagner is an instrument of Russian influence intended to advance the interests of Moscow, to compete with those of Europeans. The armed group is also accused of committing abuses where it is deployed and of extorting natural resources.
“Words of support” to Putin
Sergueï Lavrov also considered that the armed rebellion of the leader of Wagner, Evguéni Prigojine, and his men deployed in Ukraine was not going to change anything in the relations of Russia with its allies. “There have been many calls (from foreign partners) to President (Vladimir) Putin… to express words of support,” he said.
“With partners and friends, no (it doesn’t change anything, editor’s note). As for the others (countries), frankly, I don’t care. Relations with the collective West are destroyed, so one more episode or less…”, estimated the diplomat.
https://www.europe1.fr/international/quarante-huit-heures-apres-la-rebellion-de-wagner-le-kremlin-tente-de-tourner-la-page-prigojine-4190921