Get a brief idea about the Russian Mercenary group in Central African Republic

1. POLITICAL INTEREST OF
RUSSIA IN CAR &
EMPLOYMENT OF
WAGNER GROUP

2. INTRODUCTION

3. AGENDA
Relation between Russia and CAR
Interest of Russia in CAR
Introduction to Wagner
Employment of Wagner in CAR
Military and Militia Activities
Corporate Activities
Western’s Response

4. RELATION BETWEEN CAR & RUSSIA
Before Touadera After Touadera
1. Took part in the 1980 Summer Olympics boycott
which took place in Moscow
2. Voting in favor of United Nations General Assembly
Resolution 68/262, which was in condemnation of the
Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation.
1. In March 2018, Russia agreed to provide free
military aid to the Central African Republic.
2. On November 14, 2022, the Central African Republic
sided with the Russian Federation on a UN General
Assembly.
3. In 2023, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra
expressed support for Russian involvement in
Ukraine
4. The Central African Republic is one of six African
countries to be part of the free Russian grain deal

5. INTEREST OF RUSSIA IN CAR
Geostrategic
 Countering western influence
 Securing military partnerships
 Expanding military base network
 Promoting a multipolar world
Economic
 Resource access
 Arms sales
 Investing in infrastructure
 Commercial relation
Political
 Strengthening authoritarian regimes
 Promoting anti-western narratives
 Boosting international standing

7. INTRODUCTION TO
WAGNER
Konstantin Pikalov
Yevgeny Prigozhin Dimitry Utkin
Formation and Leadership
• First appeared in 2014: During the Russian
annexation of Crimea.
• Founder: Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian
President Vladimir Putin, officially admitted to
founding the group in September 2022.
• Structure: Operates as a network of companies and
affiliates rather than a traditional military unit.
Activities
• Mercenary Operations: Ukraine War, Syria, Central
African Republic, Mali, Libya, Sudan etc.
• Security Services
• Resource Extraction

8. EMPLOYMENT OF
WAGNER IN CAR
Reasons for Employment:
• Counterinsurgency: The CAR government, facing armed
groups and rebels, sought Wagner's assistance in securing the
country and defeating rebellions.
• Military Training: Wagner trainers provide instruction and
assistance to CAR soldiers, aiming to improve their effectiveness.
• Resource Protection: Wagner's presence allegedly helps secure
areas rich in diamonds, gold, and other resources, potentially
providing economic benefits for the CAR government and
Wagner-linked companies.

9. MILITARYAND MILITIAACTIVITIES
A Force in the Field: Wagner's Combat Operations
Military training: Wagner provides combat skills, tactics, and
weapons training to CAR soldiers, aiming to improve their
professionalism and effectiveness.
Offensive operations: Wagner spearheads assaults against armed
groups, recapturing territory and pushing back rebel offensives.
Guerrilla tactics: Their expertise in unconventional warfare provides
the CAR government with an adaptable edge against mobile rebel
forces.
Close protection: Wagner guards key government officials and
installations, further extending their influence within the country's
security apparatus.

10. CORPORATE
ACTIVITIES
OF WAGNER
 Mining Ventures and Diamond Deals
 Resource Security and Secrecy
 Logistical support
 Information gathering

12. WESTERN’S RESPONSE
Consideration of Western Countries
 Criminal Organization
 Destabilizing Influence
 Russian Proxy
 Anti-Western Sentiment
 Human Rights Abuses
 Weaponization of Resources
Policy Responses:
 Sanctions
 Human Rights Advocacy
 Diplomatic Efforts
The United States government, seeking to counter Wagner's influence, has extended an offer to President
Touadéra in mid-December 2022 to expel Wagner from the country in exchange for providing military training to
CAR armed forces, humanitarian aid, increased support for the CAR UN Mission, as well as help in removing
former CAR president François Bozizé from Chad (whom Touadéra suspects of being behind incursions into CAR
territory)

13. THANK YOU