The Sudanese government on Tuesday denied reports about the presence of the Russian paramilitary Wagner Group in the country, reported Africa News.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry described accusations by the ambassadors of the United States (US), Britain, and Norway on Wagner’s activities in Sudan as blatant interference in the country’s domestic affairs.
On Monday, the Troika for Sudan – the US, Britain, and Norway – said the Wagner Group was engaged in illicit activities that undermine the rule of law in Sudan.
“In Sudan, the Wagner Group, a Private Military Company closely linked to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, spreads disinformation on social media and engages in illicit activities connected to gold mining,” the Troika said. “Wagner Group activities undermine the good governance and respect for rule of law that the Sudanese people have been fighting for since the (2018-2019) revolution.”
The statement came after one of Sudan’s military leaders paid a high-profile visit to Russia on the eve of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Sudanese ministry, however, denied the claims, saying the three envoys are trying to drag Sudan into the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a statement, the ministry condemned the Troika’s allegations about the presence of the Russian private security company Wagner in Sudan to carry out military training, mining, and other illegal activities.
“This is what the Government of Sudan would like totally to deny,” the statement said.
Russian private security companies such as Wagner, Patriot, Sewa Security Service, and RSB are known to have a presence in Africa.
Wagner is reported to have the largest presence, with its operations spread in Angola, Algeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. The Russian paramilitary group is reported to be engaged in military training and activities, as well as in the protection of gold mines in the African countries.
