Evgueni Prigojine, the enigmatic leader of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner, has resurfaced in a brief 41-second video, publicly released on several Telegram channels during the night of August 21st, 2023. In a departure from his previous outspoken and colorful rhetoric, Prigojine appears somber and succinct in this communication, asserting his presence “in Africa.”
This video represents the first post-mutiny communication from the Wagner chief since the turbulence that shook Russia in late June. It marks a departure from the photographs, as his initial post-mutiny image had emerged at the Russia-Africa summit in July, depicting him shaking hands with Freddy Mapouka, the protocol chief of the Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Contrary to appearances, investigative reports from independent Russian media outlet Fontanka revealed that Prigojine was not present at the summit but instead situated in his own hotel in St. Petersburg.
The recent video, which is filmed against a desert backdrop and features Prigojine attired in military garb with an assault rifle in hand, bears a weighty significance. Prigojine acknowledges being “in Africa,” although he refrains from specifying the exact location.
Clad in his military attire and bearing arms, Prigojine’s statement is as follows: “We are at work. The temperature is 50 degrees [Celsius]. Just the way we like it. The Wagner PMC [Private Military Company] is engaged in reconnaissance and search operations, furthering Russia’s presence across all continents, including Africa, making it even more free. Justice and happiness for the African people! We are the nightmare of ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and other criminals. We continue to hire true heroes and execute the tasks assigned to us, as we have vowed!”
This video has rapidly disseminated through Telegram channels associated with Wagner, often accompanied by a contact phone number and email address for volunteer recruitment. Since the mutiny, Prigojine’s forces have officially withdrawn from the conflict zone in Ukraine. Analysts assert that the Wagner chief’s current priority lies in demonstrating his continued utility to the Russian authorities.
In a strategic shift, Prigojine’s reappearance on video, coupled with the context of an “African” setting, underscores his adaptability and resilience in the ever-evolving landscape of geopolitics. As observers ponder his motivations, the video serves as a stark reminder that Prigojine and his paramilitary outfit remain dynamic forces that demand both scrutiny and consideration on the global stage.