The Wagner paramilitary group will continue to operate in Mali and the Central African Republic, said Monday the head of Russian diplomacy, who also stated 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, of course, will continue,” Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with the RT channel.
The Russian minister considered that Europe and France “having abandoned CAR and Mali”, these countries have resorted to Russia and Wagner to have military instructors and “guarantee the safety of their leaders”.
instrument of influence
For Westerners, Wagner is an instrument of Russian influence designed to promote the interests of Moscow, to compete with those of the Europeans. The armed group is also accused of committing abuses wherever it is deployed and of extorting natural resources.
Sergei Lavrov also considered that the armed rebellion of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigokhine, and his men deployed in Ukraine was not going to change anything in Russia’s relations 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 (nothing changes, editor’s note). As for the other (countries), frankly, I don’t care. Relations with the West collective are destroyed, so one episode or so. ..”, estimated the diplomat.
Source: BFM TV
