Wagner's Prigozhin hints he's in Africa in first video since mutiny

Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin posted his first video address since leading a short-lived mutiny in late June, appearing in a clip - possibly shot in Africa - on Telegram channels affiliated with the Wagner group on Monday (August 21).

Prigozhin is seen standing in a desert area in camouflage and with a rifle in his hands. In the distance, there are more armed men and a pickup truck.

"The temperature is +50 - everything as we like. The Wagner PMC makes Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa - more free. Justice and happiness - for the African people, we're making life a nightmare for ISIS and Al-Qaeda and other bandits," Prigozhin says in a video.

He then says Wagner is recruiting people and the group "will fulfill the tasks that were set." The video is accompanied by a telephone number for those who want to join the group.

The future of Wagner and Prigozhin has been unclear since he led a short mutiny against the Russian defense establishment in late June and the Kremlin said he and some of his fighters - who have fought in some of the fiercest battles of the Ukraine war - would leave for Belarus.

Since the mutiny, some Wagner fighters have moved to Belarus and started training the army there. In comments published in late July, Prigozhin also said Wagner was ready to further increase its presence in Africa.

#russia #wagner #prigozhin #putin #africa

Subscribe to The Telegraph with our special offer: just £1 for 3 months. Start your free trial now:

[MegaTang]

The West African arc looks like it's gonna be a big one

[LucasJasche]

Prigozhin has just died in a plane crash less than an hour ago. Him and 10 others on board died.

[davec]

Looks like he’s on holiday at Blackpool with the tide out!👹

[denisgreen]

What is Wagner mission in Africa at this time? We will soon find out.

[soulbrothers]

Wagner the best PMC in the world with zero competition ❤

[RovingRoninEDC]

And today Pregozian is dead …. See how things change in a blink

[orbiradio]

The video looks like Prigozhin is acting in front of a green screen. He is not sweating like 50°C.

[ccalvinn]

Does anyone know if he's really gone though? Do we just believe it because he was on the passenger list? Couldn't they put any names on that list?

[tyke]

He looks a bit over dressed for the heat out there!

[DanielKolbin]

Don't think Africa wants your interference.

[Cipher_]

These goddamn PMC CEOs just don't die easy lmao even in Call of Duty.

[zerotheboxer]

Give it a few weeks and his "attacking isis" will turn into "harassing american drones attacking isis"

[Kevvywevvy]

This is a Smoke screen. Don't be fooled

[abdiwahabnadhi]

I think he stated missing the Russia’s climate and Putin should forgive this guy he can survive in African desert 🐪 🌵

[micahmoolman]

Is it just me or are the guys in the background of the final pan shot standing weird? One looks like he was walking or taking a step and just froze, as if it is a still image or photo?
The guys on the left 0:39.

[dsnalinda]

it's look like he is in heaven in the movie style video... RIP..

[stuart]

At least he didn’t fall out from a window

[고영환-yi]

Little Yevgeny is travelling in Africa!😂 What comes next? Safari? Nile cruise?

[kennethsanders]

one word stands out to me "Africa" !

[johnkeane]

"Punished Venom Prigozhin" is now in Africa searching for the vocal cord parasites.