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20. Although many host governments enter agreements with the Wagner Network to shore up their own power, or to tackle insurgencies or terror groups that threaten their control, the presence of the Wagner Network rarely delivers those outcomes. Wagner fighters frequently failed to fulfil many military objectives for which they were contracted. They were unsuccessful in countering Islamist extremists in Mozambique in 2019 and their extremely early departure appears to have further undermined national security. Wagner fighters faced “decimation” at the hands of the US military after the failed assault on Deir al-Zour, Syria, in 2018. Furthermore, the assistance and battle support offered by Wagner fighters in the Tripoli offensive (2019–20) were insufficient to ensure victory for the LNA.

21. The invitation of the Wagner Network in the first place is a sign of weakness and openness to extreme violence and corruption.

22. Witnesses noted Wagner’s vested interest in maintaining conflict and impeding democratic processes. For instance, Wagner fighters have:

Undermined international efforts to promote peace and security. Wagner fighters—along with other actors—have made the UN’s arms embargo for Libya “ineffective”, due to their continued supply of arms and military material to the country. The persistent presence of its operatives violates the terms of Libya’s October 2020 ceasefire.

Weakened democratic governance and fostered corruption. Wagner’s gold-smuggling activities in Sudan enabled huge quantities of gold to bypass the state and relied in part on an illegal commercial arrangement; civilian officials attempting to challenge these practices have effectively been censured. The network also advised then-President Bashir on how to suppress protests. The Prigozhin-linked entity AFRIC has been involved in illegitimate election