Wagner Group’s influence in Africa continues
Even after the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group’s influence in Africa continues. Dr. Ladd Serwat (pictured above) revealed in The Focus that Prigozhin’s son, Pavel, is still involved in the group’s operations in the Central African Republic, signalling that Wagner’s story is far from over.
Pavel Prigozhin’s Role
According to Dr. Serwat, Pavel Prigozhin has taken a key role in managing Wagner’s business empire in the Central African Republic, a region known for its mineral wealth. This development suggests that Wagner’s vast business network remains intact, even as the group’s military operations are absorbed by the Russian state.
The Future of Wagner in Africa
Despite leadership changes, Wagner’s influence in Africa remains significant. Dr. Serwat explains that the group’s operations continue to shape local conflicts, with many African civilians still associating Russian mercenaries with Wagner’s legacy.
To Learn More on The Wagner Group
To learn more about Wagner’s ongoing influence in Africa and the role of Prigozhin’s son, don’t miss this episode of The Focus.
Time in Transcript: 24:00 – 26:00
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More on Dr. Ladd Serwat
Dr. Ladd Serwat is a ACLED’s Africa Regional Specialist. He is responsible for analysis, coordinating data coverage, overseeing senior researchers, and managing partnerships on the Africa desk.
Ladd has over 15 years of experience in non-profits, academia, and the private sector. He has expertise in the Wagner Group, development policy, and land-related conflict in Africa. He specializes in the Great Lakes region, where he has lived and worked since 2008. Before joining ACLED, he held various roles focused on humanitarian and development issues in Burundi, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and the U.S. Additionally, his experience in these countries has contributed to his deep understanding of regional challenges and solutions.
Dr. Serwat holds a PhD in International Development from the University of Sussex. He also earned an MSc in African Development from the London School of Economics. Additionally, he studied International Relations and French at Gonzaga University. His work on the Wagner Group has been published in outlets like TIME, The New York Times, and Le Monde
