Dear Friend,

The Sentry’s investigation, “Mercenary Meltdown: The Wagner Group’s Failure in Mali,” is shaping the global conversation on Russia’s ambitions and challenges in Africa.

Drawing extensively on our findings, The Wall Street Journal reported that “Russia’s ambitious plans in Africa are unraveling” as it struggles to replicate Wagner’s past influence. “Wagner’s failures in Mali should serve as a warning to other regimes across Africa that Russia is neither a reliable partner nor a quick fix for your problems,” The Sentry’s Executive Director, Justyna Gudzowska told the Journal.

Since publication, “Mercenary Meltdown” has been cited across international outlets in print (The Economist, Der Spiegel) as well as broadcast (CNN, NPR, and the BBC World Service), amplifying The Sentry’s call for accountability and reform.

Widespread media coverage strengthens our broader strategy: turning investigative findings into action. Simultaneously, The Sentry is briefing government officials, banks, and multinational corporations to ensure their policies and business practices do not enable atrocities or corruption in the region.

Read the "Mercenary Meltdown" report

In too many places around the world, warlords, kleptocrats, and their global enablers continue to profit from conflict and human suffering. By exposing their financial interests and driving policy reform, The Sentry seeks to disrupt this vicious cycle and ensure that corruption stops fueling conflict.

Together, we can help build the conditions for lasting peace.

Thank you,

John Prendergast
Co-Founder, The Sentry