The British Foreign Office announced, on November 7, 2024, sanctions against several groups of Russian mercenaries in Africa, including Africa Corps, considered the successor to Wagner, a first for a country in the G7.
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These ” 56 new measures (taken) under the largest (London) sanctions program against Russia since May 2023 » aims in particular “ three private mercenary groups with ties to the Kremlin, including Africa Corps, and 11 individuals associated with Russian proxies ”, who have “ threatened peace and security in Libya, Mali and the Central African Republic ”, according to a Foreign Office statement titled “UK strikes at the heart of Putin’s war machine.”
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The Africa Corps groups, the Bears brigade and PMC Espanola are, among others, accused “ for committing widespread human rights violations across the continent ” And ” to exploit the natural resources of these countries for their profit “, with the aim of expanding Russia’s sphere of influence, states the text.
Undermining “ Russia’s attempts to foster instability in Africa »
Russia has been increasing its influence in African countries for several years. Groups of Russian mercenaries like Wagner, or its successor Africa Corps, support local powers, and “ advisors » according to Moscow, officiate with local officials. This is particularly the case in the Central African Republic and the Sahel countries.
“ These new measures will continue to oppose the Kremlin’s destructive foreign policy, undermining Russia’s attempts to foster instability in Africa “, declared the head of British diplomacy David Lammy, quoted in this press release.
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