Russia Grabs African Gold, Thanks to Wagner Violence

Russia Grabs African Gold, Thanks to Wagner Violence

Russian president Vladimir Putin’s military-linked mercenary network, the Wagner Group, is accused of using killings and torture to tighten its grip on one of Russia’s most valuable economic assets in Central Africa. For nearly 20 years, Moscow has been stockpiling gold, with the precious metal—alongside oil—now playing a central role in financing Russia’s ongoing invasion of its neighbour. The Wagner Group’s successors have consolidated control…