The Wagner group in Africa : legal status and accountability during non-international armed conflicts

Abstract

This mini-dissertation examines the growing concern surrounding the involvement of private actors in conflict situations, where their lack of accountability, owing to the absence of responsible State actors, poses a potential threat to international humanitarian law and human rights law. The research focuses on the Russian company, PMC Wagner Group, analysing its legal standing in domestic and international contexts under international humanitarian law, especially within non-international armed conflicts. Considering the absence of a comprehensive international regulatory framework or accountability mechanisms for private military and security companies, this research explores the attribution of responsibility for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law committed by the Wagner Group in Africa. The specific focus lies on the Group's involvement in the non-international armed conflicts in the Central African Republic and Mali. The research aims to contribute to a practical legal framework regulating private military and security companies' activities, ensuring accountability for their violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. This is particularly crucial in non-international armed conflicts, where private actors significantly impact civilian protection and the overall conduct of hostilities.