EU: new sanctions against the Wagner group for its human rights violations in Africa

New sanctions were announced on Saturday February 25 by the European Union against the Russian group Wagner for its activities in the Central African Republic, Sudan and Mali where it was guilty of "human rights violations", according to the European Council.

REUTERS - IGOR RUSSAK

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New sanctions were announced on Saturday February 25 by the European Union against the Russian group Wagner for its activities in the Central African Republic, Sudan and Mali where it was guilty of "human rights violations", according to the European Council.

In total, eleven people and seven entities linked to the Russian paramilitary group have their names appear on a European blacklist.

These sanctions are in addition to others already taken in 2021 by the EU.

With these new measures, the EU clearly shows its intention of wanting to fight against Wagner's military, political, economic and media influence in Africa.

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These sanctions were decided " 

", says the European Council.

First, there is the idea of ​​curbing the operational capacities of a private militia that has become essential in Africa.

The sanctions target leading officials of the Wagner group, notes our correspondent in Brussels,

In Mali, the head of the militia in the country, for example, is pinned.

Mali where, according to the European Council, "

".

In the Central African Republic,

, considered President Touadéra's security adviser, and

, seen as the group's operational activities manager in the country and on the continent, are targeted.

For these senior officials targeted, Brussels has announced an asset freeze and a travel ban within the European Union.

► To read also: 

Assets frozen within the EU

And then, it is also a question of attacking the capacities and the sources of financing of the group.

Because if companies operating in Africa (such as Meroe Gold and M-Invest in Sudan, Lobaye Invest Sarlu and Diamville in the Central African Republic) are also affected by these new European sanctions, it is because they are accused of serving as a cover for Wagner for trafficking and illegal trade in gold and diamonds, particularly in Sudan and the Central African Republic.

Finally, it is also a question of fighting against the growing media influence of Wagner in Africa.

A local Central African radio station,

, accused of pro-Russian influence and manipulating public opinion, thus saw its name appear on the EU blacklist.

At the same time, according to the European Council, those responsible for the group's propaganda campaigns are also targeted.

► To read also: the Wagner group would work to "destabilize" Chadian power, according to the Wall Street Journal

All the companies and entities mentioned have their assets frozen within the EU and are prohibited from trading with a European company.

The same goes for individuals who are also subject to a ban on transit and entry into European territory.

These measures also concern the

.

Two commanders of the group, present and fighting on the battlefield, are also sanctioned.

► 

the Russian "special operation" in Ukraine seen by the boss of Wagner

Josep Borrel, the European High Representative for Foreign Affairs, considered that Wagner was a " 

 " for the populations and also for the European Union.

“ 

,” he added.

► To read also:

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• Africa

• European Union

• Russia

• Central African Republic

• Sudan

• mali

• Faustin-Archange Touadera