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Rh It offered one or more of these services in CAR, Mozambique, Sudan, Syria and Mali. The network also offered a personal protection detail for leaders; suppressed 'security threats' in the form of political protests and opposition; and offered political 'consultancy' services to strengthen an incumbent regime. The former Wagner fighter asserted that, except for Ukraine, Wagner operates "only by agreement with the current government", However, we note that rebel military leaders have also sought the network's services to further their campaigns, which appears to contradict the fighter's claim. The network's counter-terrorism services may have sometimes furthered stability. In CAR, its fighters helped the army to repel a major Islamist offensive in early 2021 and retake swathes of territory. Growing concerns over terrorism in the Sahel region of Africa may lead other national governments in the region to engage the network's services.

17. '''Host governments and other non-regime actors must perceive benefits from engaging with the Wagner Network, because they consider it the most effective form of protection and security. There are examples of its fighters furthering a regime's security objectives, even if this meant neutering political opposition.'''