Wagner’s operation in Niger, others in doubt, as Prigozhin dies in air crash

Operations of the Wagner forces in troubled Mali and Niger Republic, among others, are now in doubt following the shocking death of Russian President, Vladimir Putin’s fiercest rival and the country’s mercenary chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Prigozhin died in an air crash involving his private jet, late Wednesday around Moscow.

It would be noted that the presence of Wagner forces in Niger Republic had buoyed the military junta in Niger Republic as they refused to negotiate with economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), European Union, United States, African Union (AU) mediation delegations weeks after forcefully ousting the civilian president, Mohammed Bazoum, in a coup in July 26, this year.

Only weekend, the junta announced a three-year transition to civil rule plan, but which has already received a negative reaction from the sub-regional states.

 Late last week, Wagner forces had touched down on Niger’s capital of Niamey, in reparation for the defence of the military government against the planned intervention by ECOWAS stand-by forces seeking to oust the junta.

As it is now, international observers posit that the military junta may now be forced back to the negotiating table amid mounting economic sanctions by the neighbouring countries and the AU, which had demanded a reinstatement of ousted Bazoum.

They also say the death of Prigozhin may fastttrack the resolution of the Niger impasse, as Russia under Putin is seen as not ready to open another battle front in Africa in view of the lingering war with Ukraine.

Wagner’s forces are also heavily present in the military-controlled Mali, Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic (CAR).

Prigozhin’s Embraer aircraft crash which occurred, late Wednesday, left no survivors among the listed all 10 passengers including, Prigozhin and the flight crew of the private jet dead.

The plane which was reportedly shot down over the Russian air space crashed in the Tver region, north of Moscow, late Wednesday.

Prigozhin was a media favorite back in June when he led a failed rebellion against Putin.

“Wagner-linked Telegram channel Grey Zone reported the Embraer aircraft was shot down by air defences in the Tver region, north of Moscow.

“The jet, which was flying from Moscow to St Petersburg, was carrying seven passengers and three crew,” ,” news sources  reported.

Russian air defences caught on camera shooting down private jet belonging to Prigozhin over Tver region.

The business plane belonged to Prigozhin and Russian media confirmed that he was on the plane.

Wagner sources claim that Russian air defence shot the plane down.

Prigozhin remains Putin’s feared rival having led the failed coup against him, last month.

On the international scene, Prigozhin’s death leaves uncertainties over his army’s further participation in the Central African Republic (CAR), as well as in Mali and Niger Republic, where his troops have already taken position.