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Vol 64 No 14

Published 6th July 2023


Prigozhin tests Putin with an African putsch

Russia's mercenary chief was following Hemeti's playbook in Sudan – but his loss of nerve may have repercussions across Africa

As Wagner's putsch led by mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin unfolded in Russia on 23-24 June, many in Africa saw strong parallels with the bid for power launched by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo 'Hemeti' and his Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan on 15 April. The two – Prigozhin and Hemeti – betrayed the men who initially sponsored their forces, President Vladimir Putin and General Omer Ahmed Hassan el Beshir, respectively. There are costly lessons for Russia and Sudan here.

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