Wagner mercenaries recruit prisoners in Africa

The war in Ukraine claims many Russian lives. Because fighters are urgently needed, Yevgeny Prigozhin (61), the boss of the mercenary group Wagner, also recruits Russian prisoners. He lures them with freedom and money.

Now recruitment is going global. Since October, Prigozhin’s troops are also said to have been looking for new soldiers for the Ukraine war in the Central African Republic, where they have been involved in political events for some time. Two senior officers from the Central African Republic confirmed this to the Daily Beast portal.

“Since October they have been breaking into military and police cells and releasing prisoners,” said a Central African officer. “Among them are those who were imprisoned for the rape of women and girls.” Murderers would also have been released and placed under arms.

Central Africans land in the Donbass

The Central African Republic is characterized by the conflict between the government and armed rebels, towns and cities are repeatedly attacked. They murder, rape and loot. Exactly these criminals should now be among the recruits and sent directly to the front in Donbass. According to the Daily Beast, the released prisoners will serve not only in Ukraine, but also in Mali and the Central African Republic itself.

Rebels who attacked and were captured at a military camp in Bakouma in the southeast of the Central African Republic are also said to have been recently liberated by Wagner forces. “They said they urgently need workers in Mali and Ukraine,” says one of the officers. In the Wagner group, these fighters are known as “Black Russians”.

Wagner’s mercenaries trample on human rights

Central Africans are not the only foreigners fighting overseas for Russia. A few weeks ago, a dead student from Zambia caused a sensation. Nathan N.* (23) was in prison in Moscow for a drug offense and was due to serve nine years in prison. Instead, he ended up at the front in Ukraine and died. The government in Zambia demanded clarification.

Wagner leader Prigozhin, who has risen in Putin’s circle of power as a caterer for the Kremlin and the Russian military, issued a statement on Tuesday – oddly enough – about his catering company and not the Wagner group. He stated that the Zambia student had joined the Wagner group.

His justification, according to Prigozhin: “You Russians have been helping us Africans to gain independence for years.” Therefore, it is an honor for him to sacrifice his life for Russia. Like the other prisoners, N. was offered an amnesty.

Wagner’s mercenaries are known for violating human rights. They are accused of torture and murder in several African countries and in Ukraine. And they do not shy away from killing within their own ranks. A video recently surfaced showing Wagner soldiers executing one of their own men with a hammer. (jwg)

* Name known