#Sudan #Khartoum residents dig ditches to block roads in their neighbourhoods to RSF vehicles. RSF forces often stay in/around homes in residential areas to protect themselves from army bombardments, thereby endangering local residents. #KeepEyesOnSudan - pic.twitter.com/szkxpJfvEL
— Donatella Rovera (@DRovera) May 22, 2023
Note, the video shows a neat brick road block. Hat tip with thanks to Eric Reeves' retweeting this video from @DRovera at @sudanreeves May 23.
Report at ModernGhana.com
By Xinhua
Dated Sunday 28 May 2023 - full copy:
AU adopts roadmap to resolve conflict in Sudan
ADDIS ABABA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has adopted the Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan toward silencing the guns in Sudan.
The roadmap was adopted during the AU Peace and Security Council meeting that was held at the heads of state and government level on Saturday, focusing on the situation in Sudan, the AU said in a communique issued on Sunday.
The roadmap outlined six elements that include the establishment of a coordination mechanism to ensure all efforts by the regional and global actors are harmonized and impactful; an immediate, permanent, inclusive and comprehensive cessation of hostilities; and an effective humanitarian response.
The high-level meeting underscored the overriding importance of a single, inclusive and consolidated peace process for Sudan, coordinated under the joint auspices of the AU, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States and the United Nations, along with like-minded partners.
"The council, with deep concern, strongly condemns the ongoing senseless and unjustified conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has resulted in an unprecedented dire humanitarian situation, indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians," the statement said.
Sudan has witnessed deadly armed clashes between the SAF and the paramilitary RSF in the capital of Khartoum and other areas since April 15, with the two sides accusing each other of initiating the conflict.
According to the Sudanese Doctors Union, the number of civilian deaths since the beginning of the clashes has risen to 863, with 3,531 injuries. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recently said over 1 million people have been displaced since the conflict.
View original: http://www.chinaview.cn/africa/20230529/0b44d0bd899a482eb32488590d93fa91/c.html
[Ends]
Report at AYIN NETWORK
Dated Sunday 28 May 2022
The mass looting of Khartoum’s shops and markets
Traders and civilians stare at empty shelves and face critical shortages
Omdurman Market deserted (social media)
A war-ravaged market in Khartoum (Ayin)
Full story: https://3ayin.com/en/looting/
[Ends]
Report at OHCHR.org
Dated 23 May 2023 - excerpt:
Sudan suffering “dehumanizing”, UN human rights expert Radhouane Nouicer
GENEVA (23 May 2023) - The UN expert on human rights in Sudan on Tuesday described the level of civilian suffering from the ongoing fighting as dehumanizing.
“This is the destruction of a country in a way that is dehumanizing its people,” said Radhouane Nouicer, who was appointed late last year by the High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk upon request of the UN Human Rights Council to document and report human rights violations committed in Sudan since the 25 October 2021 coup.
“What is going on is as bad as anything I have seen in conflict zones over the course of my long career. It is horrifying, tragic, brutal, and completely unnecessary. The full array of human rights - economic, social and cultural as much as civil and political - are being violated, and both parties have singularly failed to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.”
[Ends]
IN SIX WEEKS of urban warfare, more than 1,800 people have been killed, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project.
Nearly 1.4 million people have been displaced both within Sudan and to neighbouring countries, according to the United Nations.
A record 25 million people, more than half the population, are now in need of humanitarian assistance to survive, according to the UN.
Read more in report by AFP dated Sunday 28 May 2023:
Gunfire adds to violations near end of breached Sudan truce
The exodus continues -- people flee with their belongings from Khartoum's twin city of Omdurman. (AFP)
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The truce has allowed some to venture out, including this man and boy in Omdurman. (AFP)
Full story: https://www.modernghana.com/news/1233858/gunfire-adds-to-violations-near-end-of-breached.html
[Ends]
Dr Alaaeldin Nugud, the sec-gen of the #Sudan Association of Surgeons and member of the Forces of Freedom and Change-Central Council, was kidnapped by a group armed men in #Khartoum yesterday #SudanNews https://t.co/wqIGW9lfks
— Radio Dabanga (@RadioDabanga) May 28, 2023
Condolences. God bless. Rest in Peace + + +#NyalaWar 23May Update
— GOUJA AHMED (@qoga12) May 23, 2023
مقتل الشاب (حمدتو الترابي محمد حمدتو) بحي الجمهورية نيالا نهار اليوم الثلاثاء على أيدي المليشيات المسلحة بعد هجومهم ونهبهم لحي الجمهورية. pic.twitter.com/cJ8EqNoXR9
Former rebel leader and Darfur governor calls on Darfuris to raise arms in self defense amid militia attacks and fighting between the army and RSF in different cities.
— Nafisa Eltahir (@nafisaeltahir) May 28, 2023
Some, particularly in Geneina, have already done so, but of course this raises the risk of extensive violence. https://t.co/VNgSCZ8G9m
[Ends]As the conflict in Sudan continues into a second month, the plight of casual labourers is increasingly dire –without access to a daily source of income– many now struggle more than ever to make ends meet. Ayin managed to catch up with some daily workers in Al-Thawra, Omdurman, to… pic.twitter.com/qneEgZxYtT
— Ayin Network - شبكة عاين (@AyinSudan) May 18, 2023
Everyday terror in Khartoum, the hundreds of notices of missing people are just appalling “M. 14, went out to buy bread on the morning of May 17 and has never been seen since…” #Sudan pic.twitter.com/zEysOMDrvq
— Sarra Majdoub (@SarraMajd) May 27, 2023
Looking for a family member? Here's how to get help, call ICRC:
هل تبحث عن أحد أفراد عائلتك؟ إليكم طريقة الحصول على المساعدة #السودان pic.twitter.com/C5QNF0XXrQ
— ICRC Sudan (@ICRC_Sudan) May 7, 2023
[Ends]
Report at Ahram Online
Dated Saturday 27 May 2023 - full copy:
Sisi urges int'l community to support Sudan’s neighbours in resolving crisis
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi urged the international community to support the efforts of Sudan's neighbours in resolving the conflict as well as in dealing with its immediate humanitarian consequences.
The Egyptian president made these remarks in a speech during a virtual meeting for the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC), held at the level of heads of state and government, to discuss ways to resolve the conflict in Sudan.
The meeting was chaired by Uganda’s President Yoweri K Museveni and was attended by a number of African heads of state and government as well as a number of high-level officials, including Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Hanna Tetteh.
It discussed efforts toward finding a sustainable ceasefire and resuming a civilian-led democratic process in the country, effective humanitarian action, and ways to ensure regional stability.
"I call on humanitarian organizations and donor countries to provide the necessary support to Sudan's neighbouring countries so they can continue to fulfil this role," El-Sisi said.
The Egyptian president stressed that the humanitarian consequences of Sudan's crisis extend beyond its borders and impact neighbouring countries, thus necessitating close coordination with them.
"Egypt has met its obligations in this regard by accepting approximately 150,000 displaced Sudanese citizens to date, in addition to hosting approximately five million other Sudanese citizens who are treated as nationals," El-Sisi noted.
Egypt will continue coordinating with its partners and relief organizations to provide urgent humanitarian aid to alleviate a deteriorating situation, he said.
During his speech, the Egyptian president emphasized the necessity for regional parties "to assist the Sudanese in ending the current crisis and achieving a consensus to address the underlying causes that led to its outbreak in the first place."
The Egyptian president stressed the need for close coordination among Sudan’s neighbouring states to resolve the crisis, noting that "these states are the most affected by the crisis and, therefore, are the keenest to end it as soon as possible."
He also outlined Egypt’s efforts in cooperating with the African Union and the Arab League to end the crisis in Sudan based on finding a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire and preserving state institutions.
"Egypt backs the efforts of the African Union and all the existing mechanisms that aim at ending the current conflict," El-Sisi said.
“Preserving national institutions in Sudan is the basic guarantee to protect the state from the danger of collapse,” he stressed.
The Egyptian president also reaffirmed Cairo's respect for the will of the Sudanese people in their internal affairs, stressing the need to prevent foreign interference in Sudan's affairs.
Meeting humanitarian challenge
Egypt has supported regional and international efforts to end the conflict in Sudan since its start in mid-April, pushing for a sustainable ceasefire between the two warring parties.
The conflict in Sudan has left 700 dead, including tens of children, according to UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Sudan Volker Perthes.
Related
Egypt, UNHCR discuss mobilizing aid for displaced Sudanese
Egypt’s FM discusses humanitarian efforts in Sudan with UN officials in Geneva
UN allocates $5 mln to support refugees fleeing Sudan in Egypt
View original: https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/1234/501763/Egypt/Foreign-Affairs/Sisi-urges-int;l-community-to-support-Sudan’s-neig.aspx
________________________________
Africa Press Release at Zawya.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of
The Presidency, The Arab Republic of Egypt
Dated Saturday 27 May 2023 - full copy:
President El-Sisi Participates in African Peace and Security Council Summit via Video Conference
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated via video conference in the African Peace and Security Council Summit to discuss the current crisis in Sudan, in the presence of a number of African heads of state and government, headed by the President of the Republic of Uganda and current Chair of the AU Peace and Security Council, President Yoweri Museveni, in addition to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Secretary-General of the Arab League, Secretary-General of IGAD and Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for the Horn of Africa.
The Spokesman for the Presidency, Counselor Ahmed Fahmy, said the summit focused on discussing de-escation in Sudan, coordination among all parties concerned with the ceasefire, enhancement of humanitarian corridors and return to peaceful dialogue.
Addressing the summit, President El-Sisi thanked President Museveni for the initiative to convene this important summit, which is of great value to support Sudan to restore its security and stability. The President stressed the utmost importance of close coordination with neighboring states to solve the crisis in Sudan, as they are the most affected and most keen to end the crisis at the soonest.
The President stressed that Egypt's efforts to end the current crisis in Sudan complement the various relevant regional tracks, including those of the African Union and Arab League. They are also based on a number of pillars, most notably the need for a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire and the protection of national institutions in Sudan, which primary safeguard against the threat of collapse, in addition to affirming that the conflict in Sudan involves the Sudanese people, and therefore the regional parties' role is to help them stop it and to achieve consensus on resolving the causes of its eruption.
President El-Sisi emphasised Egypt's respect for the will of the Sudanese people and non-interference in its internal affairs, as well as the need not to allow foreign interventions in its current crisis. The President reaffirmed Egypt's continued efforts to end the current crisis by supporting the African Union's efforts and all existing mechanisms to end the current conflict, as well as to continue coordination with all partners and relief organizations to provide urgent humanitarian needs for Sudan, to alleviate the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, The Arab Republic of Egypt.
[Ends]
Report at TheAfricaReport.com
By AFP (Agence France-Presse)
Dated Friday 26 May 2023; 09:24 - full copy:
NEW COLD WAR?
Africa must not become ‘geostrategic battleground’ warns AU
Moussa Faki Mahamat (1st L), Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) looks at a photo exhibition during the 60th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now African Union (AU), at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa on May 25, 2023. (Photo by Amanuel Sileshi / AFP)
Africa must not become a “geostrategic battleground” for global powers, as it grapples with several threats to its own peace and security, African Union leaders warn.
The continent of 1.3 billion people has found itself at the centre of a tussle for influence among the major powers, which has redoubled since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 15 months ago.
And just as the AU marked the anniversary of the creation of its forerunner, the Organisation of African Unity, on this day in 1963, Ukraine itself announced it wanted to boost ties with Africa.
“In this international context of confrontation of divergent political interests, the will of each side threatens to transform Africa into a geostrategic battleground, thereby creating a new Cold War,” AU Commission chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said.
“In this zero-sum game, where the gains of others would translate into losses for Africa, we must resist all forms of instrumentalisation of our member states,” he added in an address at AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.
Moscow is seeking deeper political, economic and military ties in Africa as well as Asia as Russia becomes increasingly isolated on the international stage over the conflict in Ukraine.
‘Capacity for resilience’
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who is currently on a tour of Africa, on Wednesday urged certain African nations to end their “neutrality” over the war.
In February, 22 AU member states abstained or did not vote on a UN General Assembly resolution that called for Russia withdraw from Ukraine.
Two of them – Eritrea and Mali – voted against the resolution.
And in a statement to mark the pan-African body’s anniversary, Kuleba also announced a Ukrainian diplomatic push on the continent.
“We want to develop a new quality of partnership based on three mutual principles: mutual respect, mutual interests, and mutual benefits,” he said, announcing plans to establish new embassies in Africa and hold a Ukraine-Africa summit.
In this zero-sum game, where the gains of others would translate into losses for Africa, we must resist all forms of instrumentalisation of our member states.
Moscow itself has scheduled a Russia-Africa summit in July, following a trip to several African countries at the start of the year by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
China and the US have also despatched their foreign ministers to the continent in rival diplomatic offensives this year.
Beijing has funded major infrastructure development in Africa but denies Western charges it is practising “debt-trap diplomacy”, while Russia is a key arms exporter and is making forays through mining projects, analysts say.
‘Conflicts and terrorism persist’
Faki meanwhile also hailed the successes of the 54-nation AU which succeeded the OAU in 2002: “Independence and victory against apartheid, that of significant economic and scientific progress, sports, arts, the growing international role of Africa and so on.”
However, he also acknowledged “negative factors such as democratic decline through unconstitutional changes of government, with their litany of oppression and gagging of freedoms, insecurity, the spread of terrorism, violent extremism, the uncontrolled circulation of arms, the harmful effects of climate change”.
Despite the difficulties, Faki said, Africa remains “characterised by its greater capacity for resilience”, pointing for example to its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The current head of the African Union, Comoros President Azali Assoumani also denounced “the unconstitutional changes of power” which have multiplied in Africa in recent years.
“Inter and intra-African conflicts but also terrorism persists and consequently the peace, security, democracy and development of our continent are threatened in several of our countries,” he said.
Assoumani spoke of the conflict between rival generals in Sudan which erupted in mid-April and has persisted despite several truce agreements.
“We must convince our brothers in Sudan to favour dialogue so that the fratricidal war raging in this country ends,” he added.
View original: https://www.theafricareport.com/310874/africa-must-not-become-geostrategic-battleground-warns-au/
[Ends]
COULD THIS BE what I hope it is: a long awaited African rapid reaction force for crises such as Sudan? This report says 10 East African countries started a 2-week joint training at a UN Regional Service Centre in Uganda.
Report at The Independent Uganda
By Xinhua
Dated Tuesday 23 May 2023 - full copy:
East African countries start training of rapid reaction forces
Joint training started. FILE PHOTO
Kampala, Uganda | Xinhua | Troops from 10 East African countries on Monday began a two-week training at the United Nations Regional Service Centre in Uganda.
Personnel from Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda participated in the training that aims to create synergies and enhance the knowledge and understanding of peace support mission planning, said the East African Standby Force (EASF) in a statement.
“We cannot fulfil our mandate of enhancing peace and security without an effective planning entity for our region,” said Uganda’s Chief of Staff of the Air Force Brig. David Gonyi.
He said the training will enable regional countries to respond to scenarios like terrorism, election violence and disaster management.
“There is no doubt that the commitment given to this learning process is a clear testimony that capacity building and enhancement have a place they deserve in Africa and the region,” Gonyi said.
The EASF, which consists of military, police and civilian components, was established to provide capability for rapid deployment of forces to carry out preventive deployment, rapid intervention, peace support and stability operations, and peace enforcement.
View original: https://www.independent.co.ug/east-african-countries-start-training-of-rapid-reaction-forces/
___________________________
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
AFRICAN STANDBY FORCE (ASF)
The African Standby Force (ASF) is an international, continental African, and multidisciplinary peacekeeping force with military, police and civilian contingents that acts under the direction of the African Union. The ASF is to be deployed in times of crisis in Africa.[2] Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, serves as the Force's Headquarters. Douala, Cameroon, was selected in 2011 as the site of the AU's Continental Logistics Base (LOGBASE).[3]
Map of the partitioning of RECs and RMs of the ASF
___________________________
EASTERN AFRICA STANDBY FORCE (EASF)
In the East of the continent, the regional agent of African Standby Force (ASF) is known as the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF).
The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), formerly Eastern Africa Standby Brigade (EASBRIG), is one of the five regional forces for Peace Support Operations (PSOs) of the African Standby Force, consisting of military, police and civilian components.
EASF constitutes the regional operational arm of the peacekeeping elements of the African Peace and Security Architecture, put in place by the 2002 Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union.[1][2]
East Africa Standby Force Logo
Stand with Africa: Guterres
Meanwhile, UN chief António Guterres noted that cooperation and solidarity to advance the continent’s future is more needed than ever.
“I look forward to African governments continuing to seize the opportunities presented by the continent’s natural, human, and entrepreneurial richness, by working to increase private investment and raise resources at home,” he said in his message for Africa Day.
The annual commemoration May celebrates the founding of the Organization of African Union, the African Union precursor, on 25 May 1963.
The Secretary-General urged the international community to stand with Africa as multiple rises – from COVID-19 to climate and conflict – continue to cause great suffering there.
He further stated that African countries are underrepresented in global governance institutions, such as the UN Security Council, and denied the debt relief and concessional funding they need.
“Africa deserves peace, justice and international solidarity,” he said. “With international cooperation and solidarity, this can be Africa’s century.”
Read full story at UN News report 25 May 2023:
Security Council urged to step up on financing for AU peace operations
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/05/1137047
[Ends]
Report at BBC News⚠️Humanitarian operations in many parts of the country may grind to a halt⚠️
— MSF Sudan (@MSF_Sudan) May 26, 2023
Looting and attacks on healthcare facilities and warehouses have reduced our stock significantly.
We call all conflict parties to ensure humanitarian access and allow us to assist the Sudanese people. pic.twitter.com/acpBrpqNyC
Report at Time Turk online
Dated Friday 26 May 2023; 12:37 - excerpt:
US accuses Russia’s Wagner of providing missiles to Sudan's paramilitary forces
Russia's Wagner Group ‘supplying Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces with surface-to-air missiles to fight against Sudan’s army,' says US Treasury Department
ISTANBUL - US Treasury Department accused Russia's private military company Wagner Group of providing missiles to Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and “contributing to a prolonged armed conflict.”
This came on Thursday when the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Wagner's head in Mali, Ivan Aleksandrovich Maslov, blaming him for attempting to acquire weapons for Russia's war in Ukraine.
“Most recently in Sudan, the Wagner Group has been supplying Sudan's Rapid Support Forces with surface-to-air missiles to fight against Sudan's army, contributing to a prolonged armed conflict that only results in further chaos in the region,” a Treasury statement said.
Last month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Sudan's legitimate authorities have the right to use the services of the Wagner group.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced "deep concern" over the military company's activities in the war-torn country.
"It's in so many different countries, and in Africa, an element that, when it's engaged, simply brings more death and destruction with it," Blinken said during a joint press conference with his Kenyan counterpart Alfred Mutua.
View original: https://www.timeturk.com/en/us-accuses-russia-s-wagner-of-providing-missiles-to-sudan-s-paramilitary-forces/news-76159
[Ends]
Yevgeny Prigohzin's Wagner group to 'refocus' on Africa after failures in Ukraine
The mercenary group has repeatedly blamed Moscow for failing to keep them supplied with ammunition and manpower
PHOTO Yevgeny Prigozhin, in an undisclosed location in Ukraine, has advertised for new recruits for Africa CREDIT: Prigozhin Press Service
The Wagner Group is preparing to refocus its efforts in Africa and away from Ukraine amid a long-running dispute with Moscow, it has been reported.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the mercenary group, has repeatedly accused Russia’s defence ministry of stymying his supply of ammunition and manpower.
Western analysts believe Sergei Shoigu, Russia's defence minister, is trying to stifle Prigozhin's growing political influence.
Wagner mercenaries have spearheaded Moscow's eight-month attempt to capture the besieged city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. Prigozhin's private military has lost tens of thousands of men, mostly former convicts recruited out of Russian prisons, during the assault – the longest and costliest battle of the war.
Marred by the failure to capture Bakhmut, Prigozhin is planning to shift focus back to Africa, the Bloomberg news agency reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The suggestion will likely prompt concerns in Moscow after a top Ukrainian general said Kyiv's armed forces were ready to launch a counter-offensive on Bakhmut.
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PHOTO Yevgeny Prigozhin, on a roof of a high-rise building in what is said to be Bakhmut, has denied preparing to withdraw from Ukraine
"The attacker has not lost hope of taking Bakhmut at all costs, despite the losses of men and equipment, very soon we will take advantage of this opportunity, as we did near Kyiv, Kharkiv, Balakliya and Kupiansk," Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of Ukraine's ground forces, said.
Prigozhin, who is known as “Putin's chef” for the catering contracts he won from the Kremlin leader, admitted earlier this month his Wagner forces would have to "reset and cut down its size" after the battle of the Donetsk region city.
Western officials have corroborated reports that the mercenary group has been forced to slow down after deliveries of artillery by Russia's MoD were halted and future prison recruitment drives blocked.
A recruitment notice posted earlier this week invited applicants to come forward for a six-month stint in Ukraine or nine to 14 months in Africa. Those wanting to service in African countries, where Wagner has contracts to protect mines and offer governments security services, were told they would be placed on reserve.
In response to the press reports, Prigozhin denied Wagner was preparing a withdrawal from Ukraine.
"It seems that Bloomberg knows better than we do what we are going to do," he wrote on the Telegram messaging app. "As long as our country needs us, we will remain fighting in Ukraine."
Lull in Bakhmut fighting
British military intelligence has revealed a recent lull in the fighting around Bakhmut, which could be fuelled by Wagner's lack of firepower. The mercenary group recruited up to 40,000 convicts, half of whom have been killed or wounded in the attempt to capture the salt-mining town.
Many of them, former murderers, rapists and thieves, were killed in frontal, human wave attacks, reminiscent of tactics from the First World War.
Prigozhin last week announced a new recruitment drive in sports centres and martial arts clubs across 42 Russian cities. But it is unclear how successful he will be in attracting new recruits given the publicised casualty rate of Wagner's troops.
It is likely the Russian defence ministry will seek to blame Prigozhin personally for an apparent slow down in Moscow's assault on Bakhmut.
In a recent report, the US-based Institute for the Study of War wrote that Shoigu was “likely seizing the opportunity to deliberately expend both elite and convict Wagner forces in Bakhmut in an effort to weaken Prigozhin and derail his ambitions for greater influence in the Kremlin".
View original: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/03/23/yevgeny-prigohzins-wagner-group-refocus-africa-failures-ukraine/
[Ends]
Report at The Wall Street Journal - wsj.com
Dated 23 February 2023; 7:58 am ET - full copy:
U.S. Intelligence Points to Wagner Plot Against Key Western Ally in Africa
Officials say U.S. has shared information with Chad that Russian group is working to destabilize nation’s government
PLAY VIDEO: From action movies to techno music clips, videos on Russian social media urge young men to join the Wagner mercenary group to fight in Ukraine. The pop culture push is even more important as Wagner’s losses mount on the battlefield. Illustration: RIA FAN/Aurum Production/Cyber FrontZ
The U.S. has shared intelligence with authorities in Chad that the head of Russian paramilitary company Wagner Group is working with Chadian rebels to destabilize the government and potentially kill the president of the African nation, a key counterterrorism ally of the West, according to U.S., African and European officials.
The vast, oil-rich desert nation of Chad sits at the center of Africa’s Sahel region, where Russia, with Yevgeny Prigozhin’s help, is openly challenging decades-old economic, military and political alliances with the West. A former French colony, Chad shares long, porous borders with Libya in the north, the Central African Republic in the south and Sudan in the east—three countries where Wagner already has a presence.
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View original: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-intelligence-points-to-wagner-plot-against-key-western-ally-in-africa-29867547
[Ends]
