The Rest Is Classified 101. Putin's Secret Army: Wagner's Control Of Africa (Ep 4)
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Nov 19, 2025 Dive into the shadowy world of the Wagner Group and its infamous leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, as they reshape Africa's military landscape. Explore how the mercenary model evolved from culinary service to brutal enforcer. Discover the group’s strategic dealings in the Central African Republic and Sudan, plus their competition for influence in Libya and Mozambique. Uncover the blurred lines between mercenaries and government contractors, and how Prigozhin’s blend of PR and military tactics helped expand his power—all amidst growing tensions with Russian military leadership.
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From Caterer To Mercenary Warlord
- Yevgeny Prigozhin transformed from caterer and PR operator into a mercenary warlord funding Wagner's global expansion.
- He used his media skills and business model from Syria/Ukraine to replicate influence and operations in Africa.
Security For Resources Business Model
- Wagner offered African leaders security, training, and resource protection in exchange for mining concessions and a cut of profits.
- That deal structure let Prigozhin extract gold and diamonds to fund operations while avoiding direct government payment.
Entrepreneurial Actor Useful To Kremlin
- Prigozhin acted entrepreneurially and independently, though his activities were useful to the Kremlin's global ambitions.
- Wagner became a low-cost, deniable tool for projecting Russian influence across Africa.
