Russian military reshuffle in Africa: Wagner out, army in
Russia is replacing mercenaries from the private Wagner Group in Africa with its state armed forces, known as the African Corps, an armed formation under the defense minister. This transition began in the Central African Republic (CAR), where Russia has held significant influence for years.
What you need to know
- Russia replaces the Wagner Group: In the Central African Republic, Russia is implementing the African Corps to formalize its military presence in the country.
- New defense agreement: President Touadera is set to sign an agreement granting Russia access to mineral resources in exchange for security guarantees.
- Russian influence in the region: Moscow aims to enhance its position in Africa, potentially affecting the sovereignty of the Central African Republic.
According to the French portal AfricaIntelligence, the Central African Republic plans to terminate the 2018 agreement with the Wagner Group and sign a new one with the African Corps. This would formalize Russia's military presence in the Central African Republic and allow it to take over and expand a permanent military base in Berengo, located just 50 miles west of the capital, Bangui. The base, once Emperor Bokassa's palace, could accommodate up to 10,000 soldiers, as estimated by the Central African opposition news agency Corbeau News.
In exchange for the security guarantees declared by the Kremlin, the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, would grant Russia full access to the country's mineral resources, mainly gold and diamonds.
Moscow is exerting strong pressure on Touadera to sign a new defense agreement this year. It aims for the first official Russian military units to arrive in the African country by early 2026, according to forecasts by AfricaIntelligence.
The Kremlin has chosen an opportune moment for this pressure, as Touadera is preparing for presidential elections scheduled for December and is relying on Russia's support.
Russia treats CAR as "conquered territory"
Such an agreement could lead to a loss of sovereignty for the African country and increase Russian influence in the region. According to Corbeau News, Russia already treats the Central African Republic as though it were conquered territory.
"Unlike countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Ethiopia, with whom Moscow is still seeking closer ties, Bangui is seen as a stable, almost dependent partner," wrote Corbeau News on Monday. The agency analyzed Touadera's absence from Moscow on May 9th, when the Kremlin celebrated the Western-boycotted anniversary of the end of the Second World War. According to the agency, Moscow did not invite Touadera because his country is "already under its influence."
After the death of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, Moscow tightened its control over military operations in Africa. The Kremlin wants all mercenaries from private military companies to be subordinated to the defense ministry. These forces are present in areas including the eastern part of divided Libya, and in Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, and the Central African Republic.
