ECOWAS Issues Warning to Russia Over Wagner Group’s Activities in African Region
In a recent interview, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, expressed deep concerns regarding potential human rights violations linked to the Wagner Group’s operations.
This controversial private military contractor’s presence in Mali, reportedly established through an agreement between the Malian government and Russia, has raised alarm bells throughout West Africa.
Ambassador Musah left no room for ambiguity, emphasizing that any actions by the Wagner Group that compromise human rights or lead to devastation within the region will not be ignored. He stated, “We take their commitment seriously, meaning any actions that violate human rights or cause harm in our region by these private military contractors will result in us holding the countries of our region accountable.” When questioned about whether Russia was included in this accountability, Musah responded affirmatively, stating, “Yes, that includes Russia – we will hold them accountable diplomatically. West Africa is not synonymous with Russia.”
This announcement underscores the historical involvement of private military companies in African conflicts, including instances in Sierra Leone and Liberia, as well as their more recent roles in global conflicts. Musah emphasized that while private military contractors might have a presence in Africa, their activities are unacceptable, and the countries of their origin will be held responsible for any violations.
Musah also provided a broader perspective, noting the involvement of Western powers such as France and the European Union in Niger, alongside an increasing presence of Middle Eastern nations like Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and China. He reiterated the region’s determination to prevent itself from becoming a proxy battleground and reinforced their position on the Wagner Group. “We reject private military companies interfering in the conflict landscape within the region, as we are well aware of the repercussions of their actions.”
As the West African region prioritizes stability and the protection of human rights, ECOWAS maintains its commitment to holding all parties accountable, including private military contractors like the Wagner Group.