Is Wagner Chief Still Alive? Prigozhin’s Death Happened in 2019, Reappeared After 3 Days

Before Prigozhin's apparent demise, Putin made a rare Saturday visit to Russia's Southern Military District headquarters.

 Is Wagner Chief Still Alive? Prigozhin’s Death Happened in 2019, Reappeared After 3 Days
A man lays flowers at the makeshift memorial in honor of Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin, a shadowy figure who managed Wagner's operations and allegedly served in Russian military intelligence, in Moscow, on August 24, 2023. Photo by NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images

The potential demise of Yevgeny Prigozhin has reignited the intrigue surrounding this mysterious figure.

Recent reports indicate that the feared Wagner warlord, notorious for his involvement in numerous conflicts and controversies, perished in a plane accident near Moscow, according to the Daily News.

Yevgeny Prigozhin's Alleged Demise

However, this is not the first time that Prigozhin has been declared deceased only to subsequently reappear in good health. As rumors circulate about his fate, concerns arise regarding his influence on the African continent and its potential impact on international affairs.

Recent reports of Yevgeny Prigozhin's death in a plane collision near Moscow brought to mind a similar incident that occurred in 2019. During that time, an An-27 military aircraft reportedly carrying Prigozhin crashed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Three days after being pronounced dead by Russian authorities, he reappeared unharmed. Some have speculated that Prigozhin possesses a supernatural ability to "rise from the deceased" based on this pattern.

Prigozhin's propensity for deception extends beyond his apparent resurrections. Keir Giles of the Chatham House think tank notes that multiple people have assumed the identity of Yevgeny Prigozhin, most likely to conceal his movements and protect himself from potential threats.

This web of deceit has given rise to speculation and conspiracy theories regarding Prigozhin's actions and motivations. The Wagner Group of Yevgeny Prigozhin has played a crucial role in numerous conflicts, most notably the Ukraine war.

The close alliance between Prigozhin and Vladimir Putin, as well as his military successes, cemented his position as a potent and shadowy figure. However, in 2019, tensions between Prigozhin and the Russian Ministry of Defense led to a dramatic mutiny that was quickly put down within a day.

Experts predicted that after the failed uprising, Prigozhin would transfer his attention to Africa, where the Wagner Group had contracts in countries such as the Central African Republic and Mali.

This prediction aligned with Putin's efforts to strengthen ties with African nations, elevating the significance of Prigozhin's influence on the continent, as per Newsweek.

The Future of Wagner Group

In recent years, Yevgeny Prigozhin's influence in Africa has been a focal point. His participation in a summit that Putin hosted with African leaders highlighted his significant involvement in Russia's engagement with Africa.

Despite reports of his exile to Belarus as part of a deal to dismiss charges related to his mutiny, Prigozhin was linked to a recording from an unidentified African nation in which he emphasized his dedication to advancing Russia's interests in the region.

If the reported demise of Yevgeny Prigozhin is confirmed, it could have far-reaching consequences. The Wagner Group's Africa operations, which were closely linked to Prigozhin's leadership, could undergo a substantial change.

Putin's efforts to strengthen Russian-African relations may encounter setbacks, as the absence of Prigozhin could impede Moscow's control over his African endeavors.

The saga of Yevgeny Prigozhin continues to captivate the imagination, as his reported deaths and unanticipated resurrections continue to fascinate. His operations' secrecy, his association with the Wagner Group, and his influence in Africa weave a complex tapestry that blurs the line between fact and fiction.

As the world awaits official confirmation of his fate, the effect of Prigozhin's presumed demise on international politics and African affairs is ambiguous, USA Today reported.

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Russia, Vladimir putin
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