Russian mercenary Chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin on Monday night posted his first video address since leading a short-lived mutiny in late June, as he appeared in a clip possibly shot in Africa which was was posted on Telegram channels affiliated with the Wagner Group.
In the video which was obtained by Africa Today News, New York, Prigozhin is seen standing in a desert in camouflage with a rifle in his hands.
Also, in the distance are more armed men and a pickup truck. Prigozhin’s comments and some posts in the pro-Wagner channels suggested it was filmed in Africa.
‘The temperature is 50+ [at least 122 degrees Fahrenheit] – everything as we like. The Wagner PMC makes Russia even greater on all continents and Africa – more free. Justice and happiness for the African people. We’re making life a nightmare for ISIS [ISIL] and al-Qaeda and other bandits,’ Prigozhin said.
He added Wagner continues to recruit fighters and the group “will fulfil the tasks that were set”.
The video is accompanied by a telephone number for those who want to join the mercenary group.
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The future of Wagner and Prigozhin has been unclear since he led a brief rebellion against the Russian defence establishment two months ago.
The Kremlin said he and some of his soldiers, who have fought in some of the fiercest battles of the Ukraine war, would leave for Belarus.
Since the mutiny, some Wagner fighters have moved to Belarus and started training the army there. In comments published in late July, Prigozhin also said Wagner was ready to further increase its presence in Africa.
Meanwhile, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has made a case for a diplomatic solution to a political crisis in Niger which is coming against the backdrop of a coup that threatens stability in the entire region.
While addressing the faithful in St Peter’s Square after his Angelus prayer yesterday; Pope Francis said; ‘I am following with concern what is happening in Niger, and join the bishops’ call in favour of peace in the country and stability in the Sahel’.
“I join with prayer the efforts of the international community to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible for the good of everyone,” said the 86-year-old.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that army officers ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, making Niger the fourth West African nation to suffer a coup since 2020.