The UK authorities on Thursday imposed focused sanctions on 13 people and companies linked to the actions of the Russian Wagner paramilitary group in Africa, in accordance with a authorities assertion.
The sanctions particularly concentrate on their “involvement in serious human rights violations, including executions and torture in Mali and the Central African Republic, as well as threats to peace and security in Sudan,” it stated.
Among these sanctioned are three prime officers of the Wagner Group working in Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR), together with a key affiliate of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the pinnacle of the Wagner paramilitary group.
Additionally, the UK has focused 5 extra people and companies concerned in actions that pose a risk to peace and stability in Sudan.
“The Wagner Group is committing atrocities in Ukraine, as well as acting with impunity in countries like Mali, Central African Republic and Sudan. Wherever Wagner operates, it has a catastrophic effect on communities, worsens existing conflicts and damages the reputations of countries that host them,” stated Andrew Mitchell, the minister for growth and Africa.
“These sanctions expose despicable individuals who have commissioned violations of international humanitarian law, holding them to account for the severe harm they are inflicting on innocent civilians for financial gain,” he added.
Last week, the UK imposed sanctions on six firms offering funding and army gear to the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
On June 24, Prigozhin accused the Russian Defense Ministry of attacking the group’s fighters, declared a “March of Justice” and set off towards Moscow.
The Russian Federal Security Service designated the group’s motion “an armed rebellion” and opened a legal case towards Prigozhin, whereas Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to as the non-public army firm’s rebellion an act of “treason.”
Prigozhin later turned again “to avoid bloodshed” and has since moved to Belarus below a deal brokered by President Alexander Lukashenko.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
