The Italian government has attributed the current increase in the number of defectors in Europe to the activities of the Wagner group of Russian mercenaries in several African countries. It is said to be Moscow’s strategy to take revenge on countries that support Ukraine.
“The exponential increase in migration from the coast of Africa is also to a large extent part of the clear strategy of hybrid warfare carried out by the Wagner group (…) and in doing so it uses its great influence in some African countries,” said Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. At the same time, he warned that uncontrolled and continuous immigration is becoming a way to affect the most exposed countries, especially Italy, and their geostrategic decisions.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also emphasized the same. On a visit to Israel, he said Rome was concerned that many defectors were coming from areas controlled by the Wagner group.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke a little later. “It is not right to let the Russian mercenary group Wagner run amok in Africa, forcing refugees to try to get to Italy, she emphasized at the presentation of the book about Pope Francis.
According to data from the Ministry of the Interior in Rome, more than 20,000 refugees have landed on Italian shores so far this year, while there were approximately 6,000 in the same period in 2022 and 2021. Most of them make the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa to overcrowded boats, and many lose their lives in the process.
The Wagner Group, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, is active in Ukraine, but has a growing influence in Africa as well. In recent years, it has established itself mainly in the Central African Republic and Mali.
Source: Rtvslo
