Page:Seventh Report - Guns for gold- the Wagner Network exposed.pdf/28

Rh

24. The African Union has long sought to eliminate the “scourge” of mercenarism within the continent of Africa of the type exemplified by the Wagner Network. However, despite this multilateral commitment, there is a lack of will from some individual member states to reverse the proliferation of Wagner activities across the continent of Africa.

25. '''There is a significant gap between perception and capability when it comes to the Wagner Network. Despite the continued belief by some that inviting them into a country will result in benefits, the reality is that regimes pay a high price for working with the Wagner Network. The original outcomes are rarely achieved. During the past 10 years, Wagner fighters have left behind a trail of atrocities in virtually all theatres where they have operated, with limited accountability. They may present themselves as a highly trained, professional fighting force but their indiscipline, their excessive violence and their financial motivation mean that the network has functioned like an'''