The US Congress wants to declare the Wagner PMC a terrorist organization, but Biden is against it: The Hill

The US Congress is pushing the State Department to recognize the Russian private military company Wagner as a foreign terrorist organization. But President Joe Biden’s administration opposes it.

The Hill reports it.

Six Democratic and Republican senators have introduced a bill called the Russian Mercenaries Prosecution Act, which would require the State Department to declare Wagner a foreign terrorist organization (FTO).

Supporters of such a move say Wagner will suffer more losses than its current status as a transnational criminal organization.

An FTO designation would increase states’ ability to shut down Wagner PMC, serve as a strong deterrent against individuals or governments collaborating with the group, and open new avenues for lawsuits.

However, one of the congressmen’s aides told the publication that the Biden administration opposes the bill out of fear it could interfere with US efforts to get African countries to end cooperation with PMC “Wagner” .

Wagner’s group has been linked to countries such as Sudan, Libya, the Central African Republic, Mozambique, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Chad.

“The State Department is concerned that if Wagner suddenly has an FTO designation, government officials who collaborate with the group will be barred from entering the United States and their assets will be seized for having contact with the FTO.”said the assistant.

He added that the Biden administration would not be against it if the PMC “Wagner” law was valid only on the territory of Ukraine, but there it is against its adoption for interests in Africa.

Recall that at the end of January, the United States recognized PMK “Wagner” as an international criminal organization.

A similar decision was taken by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on February 6.

States are also working to permanently end Wagner operations in all countries.

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