Yet, as the private security sector has matured, so too has the diversity of PMCs available for hire. 1 Indeed, the “market for force” has swelled since the end of the Cold War, and demand is only increasing. PMCs have become frequent suppliers of a host of military and security-related services for a wide range of clients, including states, rebel groups, multinational corporations, and even international organizations like the United Nations. Perhaps most visible in recent years has been the prevalence of private military companies (PMCs), also regularly referred to as private military and security companies (PMSCs). National security professionals are quite familiar with the multidimensional nature of today’s international security environment and modern conflict zones, which include a multiplicity of actors, both state and non-state alike. It is vital that the United States and partner states not only continue to monitor the Wagner Group’s activities across the continent, but pursue efforts to undermine its legitimacy with current and potential clients. Wagner’s role in Africa poses a severe threat to the security and stability of African states as well as the strategic interests of the United States and allied nations. This article traces the Wagner Group’s engagement across Africa, illuminating its nefarious practices, including opaque and manipulative contracts, disinformation campaigns, election meddling, and severe human rights abuses. Yet, the group has little interest in genuine capacity building and instead seeks to capitalize and profit on insecurity. To do so, Wagner has cultivated exploitative relationships with multiple African governments-trading military and security services for mining concessions and political access. Abstract: Over the past several years, the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company (PMC), has become an increasingly important instrument in Russia’s foreign policy toolkit, especially in Africa where Moscow has sought to expand its influence and challenge the West.
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