Wagner Group Suffers Significant Losses in Central African Republic Conflict
Footage Reveals Conflict Toll
Overt Operator
September 15, 2023
The Wagner Group, a Russian military company, has endured substantial losses as it aids the Central African Republic (CAR) government in its battle against rebel forces, according to images and video footage obtained by .
Rebel forces can be seen surrounding a deceased Russian soldier in the visuals, with money and weapons scattered nearby, alongside identification cards.
Although opposition sources claim to have killed additional Russian fighters, Wagner managed to evacuate those slain fighters.
Disputes with the Russian government have weakened the military group following the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash on August 23.
Wagner is struggling to maintain its presence in CAR, with Rwandans reportedly replacing Russian fighters deployed in the African country, as stated by opposition sources.
Reports indicate that the conflict has escalated to the east, north, and west of the country, with armed opposition groups gaining ground in regions such as the northeastern town of Ndele, which is known for its gold and diamond mines, protected by Wagner operatives.
Wagner deployed hundreds of mercenaries to CAR in 2018 to support President Faustin-Archange Touadera under a defense agreement with Russia.
As Touadera faced a rebel offensive on the capital, Bangui, more Wagner fighters joined their ranks at the end of 2020. This influx of support earned Touadera the moniker "President Wagner," although his ties to Moscow have been waning, as Africa Confidential recently reported.
Despite years of strained relations between CAR and former colonial power France, Touadera met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday to resume dialogue and improve bilateral relations.
Touadera assured Macron that his partnership with Russia was expected to continue, emphasizing his need for Wagner's support to secure a victory in a July referendum that granted him the right to run for a third presidential term. Touadera won the referendum with 95 percent of the vote.
The situation in CAR remains volatile, with the CAR government relying on the support of the Wagner Group and Rwandan soldiers to combat rebel forces. The conflict has wreaked havoc on the country, causing significant loss of life and displacing thousands of civilians. The international community, including France and Russia, continues to play a role in the CAR crisis, with competing interests at stake.
As the conflict unfolds, it is crucial to monitor the shifting dynamics within CAR and assess the impact on regional stability. The involvement of foreign military groups, such as the Wagner Group, further complicates an already complex situation.
The humanitarian toll of the conflict cannot be ignored, and experts suggest international efforts focus on bringing an end to the violence and facilitating a peaceful resolution in the Central African Republic.