What Will Happen after Prigozhin's Death?

Yevgeny Prigozhin had recently appeared in a publicity video, where he appeared confident about Wagner's activities in Africa, expressing pride in Russia's growing influence on the continent. However, shortly after this video, reports emerged of his death in a plane crash, along with other senior figures from the Wagner organization.

Prigozhin's death raises questions about who may have been responsible, with some speculating about the possible involvement of Vladimir Putin. It also leaves uncertainty about the future of Wagner and its role in Russian politics.

Additionally, the situation prompts questions about how Russia will continue to exert its influence in Africa. African governments are likely to assess Russia's competition with Western powers and Moscow's ambitions on the continent, particularly as Africa's valuable resources, including oil, gas, and rare minerals, are highly sought after.

Wagner first gained prominence in Africa in 2018 when it deployed trainers and combat units to the Central African Republic. The group became influential in supporting the country's president in countering rebel forces, securing access to valuable mining sites in return. This security-for-resources arrangement served as a template for Russia's activities in other regions as it faced Western sanctions.

In addition to the Central African Republic, Wagner expanded its operations in the Sahel region, addressing what Russian officials viewed as the consequences of Western interventions in Libya in 2011. Russia aimed to stabilize the situation in the Sahel, which had seen the proliferation of weapons, armed groups, and extremist organizations following the collapse of Libya.

Overall, Prigozhin's reported death and Wagner's activities in Africa underscore the complex dynamics of Russia's engagement on the continent, its competition with Western powers, and the strategic importance of Africa's resources in global politics.