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2023-08-29 07:56
Yevgeny Prigozhin’s first video message since failed Wagner mutiny may have been his last
The first video message Yevgeny Prigozhin shared since the end of his failed mutiny against Vladimir Putin, may have ended up being his last – with reports that he was on the passenger list of a jet that crashed about 60 miles from Moscow, apparently killing all on board. In the video, Mr Prigozhin was seen toting an assault rifle and wearing military fatigues, with his comments suggesting the clip was shot in an unnamed African country. The Wagner boss said during the clip that he is recruiting “strongmen” and said the group will “fulfil the tasks that were set” by the Russian government. The video was shared on Telegram channels affiliated with the Wagner group, as Mr Prigozhin said the mercenary group was “making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free”. “The temperature is +50 (122 degrees Fahrenheit) – everything as we like. The Wagner PMC [private military company] 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,” he said in the video. In the background of the video, pickup trucks and other people dressed in fatigues could be seen. A telephone number was displayed as well for those who wanted to join the group. The Independent could not verify the date and exact location of the video. According to the Russian social media channels affiliated with the mercenary leader, the Wagner leader is recruiting fighters to work in the continent. He is inviting investors from Russia to put money in the Central African Republic through Russian House, a cultural centre in the African nation’s capital, they suggested. Mr Prigozhin was last seen in a video in July shot in Belarus shortly after his attempt to stir mutiny against the Kremlin failed, sparking speculation that he was taking refuge in the Russian ally nation as part of a deal to broker peace. He was later photographed on the sidelines of a Russia-Africa summit in the Russian city of St Petersburg. There is no official announcement of his current whereabouts. But one of the most prominent sites is the Central African Republic, where Wagner’s troops for hire have been active and accused of committing gross human rights abuses. Until June this year, the Wagner leader and his mercenary fighters, comprising mostly prison convicts, spent months fiercely fighting Ukrainian soldiers in the eastern region, mostly Bakhmut. Mr Prigozhin staunchly criticised Russia’s military performance and the top brass of the Russian defence ministry before he called for an armed uprising on 23 June to oust the defence minister and marched from Ukraine toward Moscow with his mercenaries. The hours-long mutiny ended after a deal was brokered by Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, following which Mr Prigozhin agreed to end his rebellion in exchange for amnesty for him and his fighters and permission to relocate to Belarus. Before moving to Belarus, Wagner handed over its weapons to the Russian military, part of efforts by Russian authorities to defuse the threat posed by the mercenaries. Read More ‘Wagner is victim of its own brand name’: How much of a threat does mercenary group pose in Belarus? Wagner mercenaries issue a chilling message on Poland’s doorstep: ‘We are here’ Belarus begins military drills near its border with Poland and Lithuania as tensions heighten Wagner tracker: Charting Yevgeny Prigozhin’s mercenary group through the Ukraine war Drones, military confusion and cracks in Putin’s authority: Ukraine’s push to sow discord in Russia’s ranks
2023-08-24 03:56
Who is C.Q. Brown, the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff?
Charles Q. Brown builds on an already historic career in becoming the the country's next most senior ranking military officer.
2023-09-21 07:56
Eskom Latest: Pharmacy Group Spends $4.7 Million on Diesel
South Africa’s state-owned power utility is escalating rolling blackouts, after a breakdown in a generation unit at Duvha
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Fire at Russia's Defense Ministry in Moscow: state media
A fire has broken out at the Russian Ministry of Defense building in central Moscow, according to Russian state news agency TASS, citing an emergency services source.
2023-05-25 06:52
Britain may designate genomics sector as critical infrastructure
By Alistair Smout LONDON Britain is exploring designating its genomics sector as critical national infrastructure, Deputy Prime Minister
2023-09-12 01:25
Who is Derrick John Thompson? Man kills 5 women preparing for friend's wedding after crashing SUV into their car
Derrick John Thompson, 17, is reportedly the son of former DFL State Representative John Thompson
2023-06-19 14:51
Andrew Tate's 'All Lives Matter except Palestinians' statement receives backlash on social media amid ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict
Andrew Tate faces backlash after he criticized liberals on platform 'X' for their stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict
2023-10-12 19:16
Wisconsin GOP leader downplays pressure to impeach state election administrator
Wisconsin’s Republican Assembly leader is downplaying pressure he’s receiving from former President Donald Trump and fellow GOP lawmakers to impeach the state’s nonpartisan elections administrator, saying such a vote is “unlikely” to happen
2023-11-08 04:58
Internet rejoices as Philly dirt-bike goon Cody Heron nabbed, but trolls ask if race is motive for the arrest
Cody Heron was arrested over a furious altercation where he vandalized a woman’s car, pointed a gun and head-butted her in front of a crowd
2023-10-05 15:51
Kevin Bacon launches new podcast inspired by 'Six Degrees,' says, 'If you can't beat 'em, join 'em'
he mission of both is to encourage people to make a difference in the world around them and will help them to lean in, learn and be inspired to act
2023-09-10 01:47
US joins in other nations in swearing off coal power to clean the climate
The United States is now committed to the idea of phasing out coal power plants, joining 56 other nations in kicking the coal habit
2023-12-02 17:56
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