MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
FLOOR 5 ZONE B MAIN BUILDING
WHITEHALL LONDON SW1A 2HB
MSU/4/2/6/11/is 25 July 2023
Dear Lord Alton,
Thank you for your contribution to the Oral Question on Wagner Group’s operations in Africa on the 11 July. I pledged to write to you on proscription of the Wagner Group and their role in supplying arms.
As I noted in our defence debate on 30 June, sanctions and proscription are not a matter for the MoD: proscription specifically is a matter for the Home Office. It is Government policy not to comment on whether a group is under consideration for proscription.
Wherever Wagner operates, including in Sudan, it exacerbates conflicts whilst seeking to exploit natural resources. It also facilitates the provision of weapons, enabling the continuation of fighting which has seen atrocities committed against civilians.
On 20 July we announced sanctions targeted against Wagner Group leaders and front companies responsible for violence and instability across Africa. These included five businesses and individuals involved in threatening peace and stability in Sudan, including through disinformation campaigns and providing military equipment. These build on recent sanctions against companies funding the conflict.
I am placing a copy of this letter in the Library of the House.
BARONESS GOLDIE DL