Mercenaries from the Russian Wagner group based in war-torn Libya are endangering the security and stability of the whole North Africa region, especially the country's neighbors. Security sources said that Wagner mercenaries have infiltrated neighboring Chad, in addition to disrupting the authority in Libya. Sources also stated that the Wagner group is providing weapons to rebels in Chad. Formed back in 2014 in Ukraine and owned by businessperson Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group is intensely involved in several conflicts. According to diplomats, there are estimated to be "more than 20,000" foreign mercenaries in Libya, whom Libyan authorities, U.N. officials and world powers have demanded they leave.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 20, 2021 12:11 UTC