Written question asked by Neil Coyle (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 May 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 May 2024. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Friday, 24 May 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Africa: Private Military and Security Companies

Question: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what assessment he has made of the (a) role and (b) impact of (i) the Wagner Group and (ii) other Russian funded mercenary forces in Africa.

Answer: The UK regularly assesses, alongside our international partners, the Kremlin's malign use of Wagner and other proxy Private Military Security Companies. Wherever these mercenaries operate, there are reports of human rights abuses; they are destructive for communities, exacerbate existing conflicts and exploit natural resources. We sanctioned Wagner Group in its entirety in 2022, several persons associated with Wagner's actions in Africa in 2023, and sanctions remain an option going forward. We are supporting African partners to respond and strengthen their resilience to Russian malign activity, including through humanitarian, development and stabilisation programmes, and strategic security and defence relationships.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 27381
Session: 2023-24
Subjects: Africa Russia Private military and security companies Wagner Group
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk