U.K. says “Russian state and non-state activities in Sudan are seeking to capitalise on instability for their own interests.” And pinpoints “ negative Russian activities in Africa, which include reports of Wagner Group involvement in gold mining and in disinformation campaigns in Sudan.”

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL1303):

Question:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what recent assessment they have made of the involvement of Russian companies in misinformation campaigns in Sudan. (HL1303) 

Tabled on: 28 June 2022

This question was grouped with the following question(s) for answer:

1. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what recent assessment they have made of the involvement of the Wagner Group in gold mining in Sudan. (HL1302) 
   Tabled on: 28 June 2022 

Answer:
Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: 

Russian state and non-state activities in Sudan are seeking to capitalise on instability for their own interests. The Minister for Africa has repeatedly made clear our concerns over negative Russian activities in Africa, which include reports of Wagner Group involvement in gold mining and in disinformation campaigns in Sudan. Senior FCDO officials raised our concerns directly with Sudan’s military leadership in Khartoum on 3 March. Troika (UK / Norway / US) Heads of Mission in Khartoum also published an op-ed on 21 March highlighting how Russian malign influence and Wagner Group activities in Sudan spread disinformation, and undermine good governance and the rule of law.

Date and time of answer: 11 Jul 2022 at 15:55.