Hundreds of Russian Wagner mercenaries arrive in Central Africa

Hundreds of Wagner PMC fighters arrived in the Central African Republic for rotation.

This was reported by Al Arabiya. “Several hundred experienced Wagner Group fighters have arrived in the Central African Republic,” the publication writes.

The new mercenaries arrived in the country for rotation. They will also train the CAR’s military and law enforcement officials responsible for security during the national constitutional referendum. It is scheduled for 30 July.

The publication reminds us that Wagner’s PMC fighters have been present in the CAR for more than five years. It is noted that their actions are of concern due to suspicions of human rights violations, as well as other violations, including indiscriminate attacks on civilian objects.

“In addition, it is believed that the group’s interests in the CAR go beyond military support, including control over national resources such as gold and diamonds,” the article says.

On 16 July, UK intelligence reported that the Russian Federation may be ready to support the Wagner PMC’s ambitions for a broader presence in Africa.

OSCE recognised and Wagner as terrorist organisation

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe adopted a final declaration in which it named Russia as a state sponsor of the Wagner Group.

On Tuesday, 4 July, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly held a session in Vancouver. It ended with the adoption of the final Declaration, which, in particular, recognised the terrorist nature of the Wagner PMC. 

Wagner serves Russia as a tool of intimidation abroad

The Wagner Group, a private military company owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin and a crucial tool in the Kremlin’s arsenal for its terror and intimidation abroad, has not yet been targeted by the international sanctions imposed on Russia due to its war against Ukraine. 

Since 2014, the Wagner Group’s participation in the war in Ukraine has drawn attention, but they have also been active in Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, and, most recently, Mali.

Russia uses Wagner in Africa to expand its influence

African countries have become the main focus of Russia’s foreign policy since Moscow launched a war against Ukraine and found itself isolated and under harsh economic sanctions.

However, African “allies” accept this friendship to get profit. These countries need Russian grain, weapons, and military mercenaries. 

Read on this topic in our article Africa – Russia: friendship for convenience – grain and military mercenaries.

Macron accused Russia of a ‘predatory project’ in Africa

Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that Moscow is pursuing a ‘predatory project’ to spread influence in African countries. Russia is allegedly using disinformation campaigns and private military companies to advance its “predatory project” in Africa, according to Mr Macron.

France withdrew its troops when Mali’s army seized power in the country in a coup in 2020 after a deterioration in bilateral ties. To assist in the war against Islamist militants, the new leadership engaged the Wagner Group, a Kremlin-affiliated private military company.

Earlier this year, members of the European Parliament called on the EP to list the Russian Wagner group as a terrorist organisation. MEPs from all parties are urging the EU to designate the Wagner group as a terrorist group. 

Now, it’s time to see Wagner militants and those who run the military group hold responsibility for the crimes they committed in Africa, Ukraine, Syria, and other countries.

Read also: Revelation of links between Putin’s general, and Syrian phosphate smuggling to Europe